Former Florida LB Enters 2023 NFL Draft

Former Florida beginning linebacker Mohamoud Diabate, who transferred to Utah previous to the 2022 season, introduced on Wednesday night that he’s coming into the 2023 NFL Draft.

A category of 2019 prospect from Auburn (Ala.) Excessive, Diabate selected the Gators over provides from the native Auburn Tigers and close by Alabama Crimson Tide amongst different applications.

Diabate rapidly emerged as a flexible linebacker in former defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s scheme, taking the sector in 13 video games as a real freshman. He went on to start out in 17 of his 37 video games at UF, posting 176 tackles, six sacks, 14 tackles for loss, an interception, two compelled fumbles and two cross breakups in a hybrid off-ball and edge-rushing position.

It was within the Pac-12 the place Diabate really emerged as a constant playmaker, nevertheless, following his switch to Utah final January after Florida’s hiring of Billy Napier as head coach. 

Diabate manned the Mac (center) linebacker place within the Utes’ protection this previous season, accumulating 58 tackles, 5 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, a compelled fumble and a defended cross in 12 begins. 9 of these tackles got here towards his former group when Florida defeated Utah, 29-26, on Sept. 3.

Diabate accepted an invite to the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl on Dec. 13, because of his success with the Utes. Whereas he was a real senior, Diabate would have been eligible to return for yet another season because of COVID-19 eligibility extensions. 

A yr in the past, former Utah Mac linebacker Devin Lloyd was chosen within the first spherical by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Diabate, Lloyd’s substitute, is not anticipated to be picked that top within the draft, however will probably be intriguing to see the place his profession goes subsequent nonetheless.

10 members of Florida’s 2022 roster have entered the upcoming NFL Draft: Quarterback Anthony Richardson, huge receiver Justin Shorter, offensive linemen Richard Gouraige and O’Cyrus Torrence, defensive lineman Gervon Dexter, dismissed edge rusher Brenton Cox Jr., linebackers Ventrell Miller and Amari Burney and safeties Rashad Torrence II and Trey Dean III. 

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