Florida Gators kicker Evan McPherson to enter 2021 NFL Draft

Florida Gators kicker Evan McPherson announced that he will forego his senior season and enter the 2021 NFL Draft via Twitter on Tuesday.

In his goodbye letter, he wrote, “The memories I have from playing in The Swamp I will forever cherish. I have played with the best teammates in the world. I’m proud to call each and everyone of them my brothers.”

McPherson immediately stepped in as Florida’s starting kicker as a true freshman. He leaves the Gators as one of the most accurate in program history.

He finished his career making 55 field goals on 61 attempts for a field goal percentage of 85 percent. That is fourth among Florida kickers with at least 10 attempts.

McPherson kicked his career long from 55 yards against Ole Miss in the 2020 season opener.

As a freshman, McPherson finished among finalists for the Lou Groza Award.

As Florida’s near-perfect kicker heads to the NFL, the Gators are left with two possible replacements on the roster in Chris Howard and Zack Sessa. Howard, a redshirt senior, should be in line to take over the duties in 2021. He made both of his field goal attempts this season and went 7-for-7 on extra points.

Bailiegh Carlton
A lifelong sports fan, Bailiegh Carlton knew from a young age that she wanted to work in sports in some capacity. Before transferring to the University of Florida to study journalism, she played softball at Gulf Coast State College. She then interned for Gator Country for three years as she worked toward her degree. After graduation, Bailiegh decided to explore other opportunities in the world of sports, but all roads led her right back here. In her time away, she and her husband welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. When she isn't working, she can almost always be found snuggled up with sweet baby Ridley, Cody and her four fur babies.