Ranking the Top-5 Florida Gator Quarterback Transfers
No. 5 Ingle Martin (2002-2003)
As a redshirt freshman backing up Rex Grossman, Ingle Martin saw action in 12 of 13 games in the 2002 season and completed 7 0f 10 passes for 96 yards and no touchdowns.
Interestingly enough, Martin also handled punting duties for Florida in 2002, as he booted 46 balls for a total of 1619 yards. In the wake of Grossman’s departure for the NFL draft, Martin would leave his punting ways for good as he was named the starter for the 2003 season.
He started off strong, as he completed 47 of 77 passes for 654 yards and three touchdowns with just two interceptions.
However, Florida sat at a mediocre 2-2 through four games. This prompted Head Coach Ron Zook to insert true freshman sensation Chris Leak as the starter over Martin.
Once Leak took over, Martin never saw the field in a Gator uniform ever again.
After the 2003 season, Martin transferred to Furman for his last two college seasons.
This move would pan out quite nicely for him as he broke numerous records and won a variety of awards as the Paladins’ starting QB. In those two seasons, he would throw for 5,761 yards and 42 touchdowns.
He would enter the 2006 NFL draft and be taken 148th overall in the fifth round by the Green Bay Packers. His NFL career lasted a few years and was ultimately forgettable.
As for the Gators after Martin’s departure, well they were just fine.
Leak would lead them to a National Championship his senior year and Florida would embark on its second golden era of football.
Next: No. 4 Tyler Murphy