Florida Gators 5-Star Recruits: Have They Turned in 5-Star College Careers?
Nov 24, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is tackled by Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake (91) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Panthers won 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
2007: No. 2 Quarterback, No. 28 overall
UF Career: Bust, but was a success elsewhere
Related: Top-5 QB transfers in Gators history
It’s an ironic thing when the most successful 5-star player in the Gators 2007 class made his mark every else but in The Swamp.
Cam Newton initially backed up Tim Tebow as a freshman in 2007, appearing in five games.
Newton took a medical redshirt in his sophomore year before eventually leaving UF, after he was arrested for stealing a student’s laptop.
Newton would eventually find his way to Auburn University after playing at Blinn College and in 2010, he led the Tigers to a National Championship victory over the Oregon Ducks and won the Heisman Trophy in the same season.
Newton was selected by the Carolina Panthers No. 1 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft and on June 2, 2015, he agreed to a 5-year, $103.8 million contract extension with Carolina.
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