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Florida football: Here’s why this is the best news for Gators fans

By Matthew Clark

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 02: Trevon Grimes #8 of the Florida Gators is tackled by Monty Rice #32 of the Georgia Bulldogs during a game on November 02, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 02: Trevon Grimes #8 of the Florida Gators is tackled by Monty Rice #32 of the Georgia Bulldogs during a game on November 02, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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People come and people go, but for Florida football there is some really good news about who is staying for another season.

Apparently, for Florida football, winning is contagious.

So much so that at least one potential NFL draftee has elected to stay and see how far the Gators can go next year.

Via his Twitter account Wednesday, wide receiver Trevon Grimes announced he was staying in Gainesville rather than tempt fate in the 2020 NFL Draft.

"“After a great 2019 season, I have discussed my future with my family and coaches,” Grimes said. “I am excited to say that you will see me playing in The Swamp in 2020.“I want to finish my degree and help lead the University of Florida to a championship. Happy New Year Gator Nation.”"

https://twitter.com/Trevongrimes8/status/1212501917496225793

Grimes, who was limited in action during the 38-28 win Florida football had over Virginia in the Capital One Orange Bowl Monday, is likely the heir apparent to lead the receiving corps of the Gators as four receivers — Freddie Swain, Josh Hammond, Van Jefferson and Tyrie Cleveland.

It leaves Jacob Copeland, Grimes and Kadarius Toney as the lone returning receivers along with top target, tight end Kyle Pitts.

The 6-foot-5 Grimes will be looking to build on a junior season where he had three touchdowns and 491 yards on 33 receptions.

It is great news because, had he declared for the NFL Draft, the wide receiver cupboard would be pretty bare for returning quarterback Kyle Trask.

Florida football has other wide receivers on the roster, but none besides Grimes, Copeland and Toney that have any recent field experience.

Freshman Dionte Marks participating against UT-Martin and Towson this season, but had no catches. Fellow Florida football freshman Ja’Markis Weston did not play this season. Redshirt junior receiver Rick Wells saw no action in 2019, but did have a catch against Charleston Southern and was on special teams.

So, by comparison to this season, the receiving corps for next year was stacking up a little light. However, there are several listed athletes (players with no designated position) who could potentially be wide receivers.

Plus, let’s not forget about Pitts returning for his junior year. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native notched five touchdowns and 649 yards on 54 receptions this season — including a season-high 108 yards against LSU in October.

It’s not as big-time as the receivers we had this year, but things are just getting warmed up. We have no idea who else will step up to fill the gaps at wide receiver.

Next. The Orange Bowl is only the beginning for Gators. dark

But, having Grimes back is certainly a step in the right direction for Dan Mullen and Florida football.

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