Shortly after the Sugar Bowl, Florida safety Matt Elam announced his intent to bypass his senior year and enter the NFL draft. He joked that he made the decision minutes after the game ended.
But many people saw this as a realistic move a long time ago.
“Growing up with him and knowing it was his dream, you thought he’d probably do three years and go,” said Florida quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who won a state championship with Elam at Dwyer High School. “With the season he had, there’s not a lot left you can accomplish.”
Gerald Christian, another ex-Dwyer teammate, also felt confident Elam was ready to go pro.
“He had a great year, so he deserves it and he’ll do well in the NFL,” said Christian, a tight end for Louisville. “That’s always been his plan, and he did it.
“I knew he was special since we played in Pop Warner together. I’ve always wanted to see him do well, and him going to the NFL just makes me want to work that much harder.”
Elam hit nearly every goal on his list, including an All-America selection and helping the program get back to national prominence. Even with a 33-23 loss to Louisville in the Sugar Bowl, the Gators finished 11-2 and will be ranked in the top 10.
As a junior, Elam was arguably Florida’s most dangerous defender. He led the team with four interceptions and was second in tackles at 76. He had 11 tackles for loss, including two sacks. He closed out his career with 11 tackles and a sack in the Sugar Bowl.
“I had three great years,” he said. “I did all I can for the team, you know what I’m saying? I played my heart out. I feel like it’s time to take care of the family.
“It’s a dream come true. You come to college to go to the NFL.”
Elam, 21, is one of five Florida juniors with the potential to leave early. Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd said after the game he will turn pro. He and Elam are likely to go in the first or second round of April’s draft.
Tight end Jordan Reed and defensive end Dominique Easley are considering the jump, too. Reed said he is “50-50” and might wait until the Jan. 15 deadline to decide. Easley, who did not request a pre-draft evaluation from the NFL, anticipates a resolution within a week.
Jelani Jenkins, a weak-side linebacker, is another candidate, though he has not publicly discussed his plans. He missed time with three different injuries this year and recently underwent season-ending foot surgery.
Several UF seniors, including Palm Beach Central High School product Jon Bostic at middle linebacker, are expected to be picked. It should be the Gators’ largest draft class since 2010, when nine players were chosen.
Elam was on an accelerated path to the NFL the day he arrived in Gainesville. Urban Meyer recruited him to UF and thrust him into secondary immediately. He played every game as a true freshman and was a full-time starter his sophomore and junior years under coach Will Muschamp and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
Before the season, Quinn said he believed Elam already had NFL size at 5-feet-10, 202 pounds with minimal body fat and that his skills were progressing rapidly.
One of the mentors Elam consulted during the process was his brother. Abram Elam, a free safety for the Kansas City Chiefs, pointed out several areas where Matt needed improvement but advised him to take his shot at the NFL.
Their mother, Addie Elam-Lewis, was ecstatic about the decision. She said Elam developed athletically and personally during his three years at Florida and seems ready for this phase of his life.
“Over the last couple years, he’s matured very well,” she said. “His attitude is much calmer, he’s more humble and he’s a better person. He listens more.
“I’m delighted, and I feel very good about his choice. I’m very grateful that he made it. I thank God for helping him fulfill his potential. What will really make my heart happy is to see Matt do well in life, and so far he has done that.”
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