Latest Topics

[gatoraus]

Former Florida defensive tackle Jaye Howard (Apopka, Fla.) has been selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the 19th pick of the fourth round (114th overall) in the 2012 NFL Draft, becoming the first Gator selected in this year’s Draft. The University of Florida has had a player selected in every NFL Draft since 1951.

 

“I'm happy to hear that Jaye has been selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft,” said Florida head coach Will Muschamp. “Jaye made tremendous strides during the last year to put himself in a position to be a valued pick in the NFL Draft.”

 

Howard joins a long line of UF defensive linemen selected in the NFL Draft, as the Orange and Blue have seen 15 D lineman picked since 2000. Howard becomes the first selected since Jermaine Cunningham (New England Patriots) and Carlos Dunlap (Cincinnati Bengals) were selected back-to-back, picks 53 and 54, respectively, in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

 

The Seahawks have drafted nine Gators in their history with the most recent being wide receiver Darrell Jackson in the third round in 2000.

 

A captain of the 2011 squad, Howard finished his career playing in 45 games with 25 starts. He collected 31 tackles (80 solo, 51 assisted), 25.5 tackles for loss, 11.0 quarterback sacks, two pass breakups and three fumble recoveries during his time at UF.

 

Career Bio: Jaye Howard GatorZone Bio

[GatorUnvrsty]

Good for Jaye; went a little earlier than expected. I expect to hear that somebody snapped up Rainey pretty soon. We didn't have very many draft eligible guys this year; after Rainey there's only Brantley and Deonte Thompson left... not sure either of them get drafted, although they'd likely get taken in free agency.

[GatorUnvrsty]

Well, that didn't take long, Rainey was taken in the 5th by the Steelers. Pittsburgh sure loves them some Gators.