Florida Gators tight end Jordan Reed to turn pro, declares for 2013 NFL Draft

Florida Gators tight end Jordan Reed (11) scores a touchown during the first half against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Ending months of speculation, Florida Gators tight end Jordan Reed will forgo his senior year of eligibility in order to enter the NFL Draft, according to SB Nation.

“I’ve enjoyed four good years at Florida, but I feel that now is the right time to pursue my dream of playing in the NFL,” said Reed in a release from the school. “I appreciate the support from all the coaches and staff here, and I’ll always be a Gator.”

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound junior had developed a great rapport with quarterback Jeff Driskel, catching 45 passes for 559 yards, both far and away team highs. His three touchdown receptions were second on the 11-2 Gators.

For his efforts, Reed was named an All-SEC selection.

Jordan Reed came to Gainesville as one of the few recruits from north of the Mason-Dixon Line. Originally a quarterback, Reed was one of the state of Connecticut’s top recruits and turned down several offers from East Coast schools to head to the sunny Swamp.

Three years later, Reed leaves Florida not as the star quarterback he was in his prep days, but as the team’s athletic, sure-handed tight end who was equally as capable staying in and blocking or splitting out wide as a receiver.

Reed joins fellow underclassmen in safety Matt Elam and defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd in declaring early for the NFL Draft.

“It’s been a dream for all three of these players to pursue a career in the NFL and now they are all getting a chance to realize that dream,” said head coach Will Muschamp. “We are very thankful for their contributions to the Florida football program over the years and we wish them the very best of luck in the pursuit of their dreams.

“We will support them 100 percent and I look forward to them continuing to be a part of our program. I have encouraged each of them to return to Gainesville to complete their degree – as I’ve told all of our players – there will be a day when their football careers are over. Matt, Sharrif and Jordan all received high marks in the draft evaluation process.”

While both Elam and Floyd are projected as first- or second-round selections, Reed’s relative inexperience at tight end, as well as the presence as a number of talented players entering the draft at his position, makes his draft status slightly more tenuous. That said, do not expect Reed to drop very far, as he is simply too talented.

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