FLORIDA FOOTALL: DB Jadarrius Perkins Enters Transfer Portal

Senior safety Jadarrius Perkins announced that he has opted to leave the program following the first game of the 2023 season. Perkins announced his decision via X, previously known as Twitter that he will be a graduate in the transfer portal.

Photo Credit - FloridaGators.com

He expressed gratitude towards Dan Mullen and Scott [Stricklin] for affording him the opportunity to be a Gator. One name that was not mentioned in his decision to leave the program was thanks to any of the current staff members, including Napier.

“I want to appreciate Dan Mullen and Scott [Stricklin] for giving me the opportunity to be a Gator something I’II remember and cherish forever. With that being said I have decided to enter my name in the Transfer Portal as a Graduate. A really unfortunate situation I love all of my teammates that has kept me up throughout everything. Outside noise mean zero only the people in this circle knows the real and that’s all that truly matters. Wishing my brothers luck in finishing this season you guys works so hard for it,” Perkins posted on X Thursday afternoon.

Perkins had been with Florida for the past two seasons after transferring in. He featured in all 13 games last year, having 14 tackles (12 solo), 2.0 tackles for loss, and an interception against Georgia.

Following UF's nickel, Tre’Vez Johnson's transfer to Missouri, Perkins competed for his starting position during the off-season against redshirt junior DB Jaydon Hill. Both are designated as starters at STAR, but Perkins only saw action in six plays against Utah, compared to Hill's 23 snaps.

In 2021, Perkins participated in nine games as a reserve defensive back and started against Samford. He spent his freshman and sophomore years at Mississippi Gulf Coast before signing with Missouri. He then transferred to UF in the summer of 2021.

With Perkins' departure, the Gators are now left with three players at the STAR position. Alongside Hill, they have true freshmen Sharif Denson and Bryce Thornton. Both made their collegiate debuts in the season opener, with Denson registering a tackle at Utah. Coach Napier mentioned that Denson's role would expand against McNeese.

Hill will take over duties as the full-time starter.