Florida QB Trask enters NFL draft in new year

Kyle Trask’s Florida career is officially over. Florida’s star quarterback announced Thursday that he would not use his extra year of eligibility, instead opting to enter the NFL draft.

The news was not a surprise. Coach Dan Mullen has repeatedly suggested that Trask would not return for his bonus sixth year of eligibility, even as Trask said he would wait until after the Cotton Bowl to make his decision.

But Trask’s announcement does end one of the most remarkable careers in Florida college football history.

Trask became the first 4,000-yard passer in Gators history and broke Danny Wuerffel’s single-season record with 43 passing touchdowns. He’s one of four finalists for the Heisman Trophy, which will be awarded Tuesday night.

USC

Southern California defensive lineman Marlon Tuipulotu and cornerback Olaijah Griffin are headed to the NFL draft. The two are key defensive starters for the 21st-ranked Trojans. Tuipulotu was a three-year starter for the Trojans, making 8½ sacks and 104 total tackles. He made the All-Pac-12 first team this season with two sacks and 23 tackles.

BYU

Quarterback Zach Wilson is entering the NFL draft. “After much thought prayer and consideration, I’m excited to announce that I will be declaring for the 2021 NFL draft,” Wilson tweeted. Wilson passed for 3,692 yards and 33 touchdowns with three interceptions this season as a junior to help the Cougars finish 11-1. He capped his BYU career with a victory against UCF in the Boca Raton Bowl.

North Texas

Clint Bowen is leaving North Texas after only one season as defensive coordinator, a move that coach Seth Littrell said was a mutual decision.