Another Florida Gators defensive player has opted to enter the NCAA transfer portal, this time hailing from the defensive back unit. According to a report by Jacob Rudner of 247Sports, cornerback Ethan Pouncey has decided to enter the portal after spending five years with the program.
Pouncey, a highly-rated four-star recruit from Winter Park (Fla.) High School in 2020, had limited playing time during his tenure at Gainesville. He did not feature in any games during the 2020 season, earning a redshirt due to the NCAA’s decision to grant an additional year of eligibility amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his redshirt-freshman season in 2021, Pouncey saw a slight increase in playing time, appearing in 11 out of 13 games but mainly in a backup role, registering only four tackles.
However, his involvement decreased in 2022, making only three appearances due to injuries and the emergence of younger talents in the team. He tallied two tackles during this time and was granted another redshirt. Last season, Pouncey did not make any appearances for the Gators.
Interestingly, Pouncey’s older brother, Jordan, also joined the program in the same class as a transfer wide receiver from Texas and graduated after the 2022 season. Additionally, the Pouncey brothers are second cousins with UF legends Maurkice and Mike Pouncey.
Pouncey’s decision to transfer follows linebacker Mannie Nunnery as another scholarship departure for Florida after the spring season. With the recent reclassification of offensive lineman Enoch Wangoy to the 2024 class, Florida had exceeded the 85-man scholarship limit. However, Pouncey’s impending transfer will bring the Gators back to the limit.
To maintain roster balance during the ongoing spring portal period, Florida may need at least one more player to depart.
