Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson declared for the 2023 NFL Draft Tuesday afternoon. Richardson heads to the NFL after three years in Gainesville, including one year as the Gators’ starting quarterback.
Despite playing only in a limited role during the 2021 season, Richardson entered the 2022 season as a projected first round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite the preseason hype, Richardson was inconsistent and average during a rocky first year for head coach Billy Napier.
Richardson completed just 54% of his passes for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The Gainesville native did prove to be a strong runner, rushing for 654 yards and nine touchdowns.
One of Richardson’s best games of the 2022 season was against Tennessee when he threw for 453 yards, two touchdowns and an interception while rushing for 62 yards. It wasn’t enough as Florida’s defense couldn’t slow down Hendon Hooker and the high powered Tennessee offense.
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Richardson improved as the year unfolded. After throwing just two touchdowns in September, Richardson tallied 10 in November including back-to-back three touchdown performances to end the season. Still, Richardson’s limitations as a passer are clear.
The Gainesville, Florida native will not play in the Las Vegas Bowl against Oregon State, creating a unique problem for the Gators. Jalen Kitna — Richardson’s back up — was arrested for child pornography charges in recent weeks and is no longer with the Florida football team.
Kitna and Richardson were the only two scholarship quarterbacks on Florida’s roster. With neither playing in the bowl game, Napier will turn to either a walk on or a running back/receiver.
Florida will be looking for a quarterback in the transfer portal this offseason and there are plenty out there to choose from.
