Gators sophomore edge rusher TJ Searcy announced on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter, that he was entering the transfer portal. Searcy
played in all 12 UF games in 2024, totaling 34 tackles (20 solo and 14 assisted) in five starts.
Coach Billy Napier spoke about Searcy’s decision at a press conference Tuesday in Tampa.
“We wish TJ nothing but the best, and maybe we’re not done there, we will see. But just think it’s a product of the world we’re living in,” Napier said. “TJ has done a great job for us, he’s been a productive player, he’s done a good job off the field. He’s really grown up a lot, proud of him and nothing but respect for him.”
Searcy had four tackles for loss, two sacks and two forced fumbles. A native of Thomaston, Georgia, Searcy made his mark as a freshman in 2023. He tallied 26 tackles and earned a spot on the Freshman All-SEC team.
Searcy ended 2024 strong with five tackles and a fumble recovery in the Gators’ 31-11 win over Florida State. Searcy’s post on X doesn’t indicate whether he plans on playing in the Gasparilla Bowl Friday vs. Tulane in Tampa.
“It’s definitely very important for me,” Searcy said during the season when asked about making a bowl. “It means a lot because last year I didn’t get one, so I definitely want to experience one.”
Searcy is the fourth edge rusher to depart Gainesville, along with Justus Boone, Quincy Ivory and Jack Pyburn. The interior D-Lineman room also suffered loss with Cam Jackson, Desmond Watson and Joey Slackman all graduating.
Napier said he isn’t worried about the edge rushers for Friday’s bowl game. He added that the deepness causes some problems in a way.
“I do think we’ve got some guys that can play over there, Kam (James) and LJ (McCray) can easily slide over there and play not to mention George (Gumbs),” Napier said. “It’s a deep room so I think we’ll be OK and obviously we’ve got some good rookies coming in and that’s a position where we could potentially go add another player here.”
The Gators’ Class of 2025 includes just one edge rusher in 4-star Jayden Woods.
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