Florida Gators 5-Star Recruits: Have They Turned in 5-Star College Careers?
Aug 31, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Dominique Easley (2) tackles Toledo Rockets running back David Fluellen (22)during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
2010: No. 2 Defensive Tackle, No. 7 overall
UF Career: Promising but injuries took their toll
It seemed like Dominique Easley, combined with Sharrif Floyd on the defensive line, would terrorize college football like no other defense has.
Easley, however, was hit with the familiar injury bug that derailed so many other Gators defensemen.
Easley started 12 games in 2011 before tearing his ACL against Florida State. He had recorded 37 tackles and had 7.5 tackles for loss up until that point.
He came back in 2012, starting 11 games, leading the Gators with four sacks. Easley suffered another serious injury in 2013, this time tearing his right meniscus.
The Staten Island native decided to leave Florida rather than risking another serious injury and it worked out well for the big man.
Easley was drafted with the 29th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, where he played in 11 games before being placed on the injured reserve list in December.
In a bit of good news for Easley, the Patriots won the Super Bowl this past season.
Next: S Matt Elam