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Five recent reclamation projects for Florida Football that didn't pan out

With words swirling that Cormani McClain is having a hard time, here are some other notable projects the Gators have taken on over the years

By Benjamin Henderson

Oct 29, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Brenton Cox Jr. (1) prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Brenton Cox Jr. (1) prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports / Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Justin Shorter

Of everyone on this list, Justin Shorter probably made the most of our his opportunity in Gainesville and if he was a lower ranked four-star prospect we would look at his college career as a success. But considering Shorter was the number one wide receiver in the country in the class of 2018, it felt like he didn't reach his full potential.

He originally enrolled at Penn State where he managed 15 catches over two seasons with James Franklin and crew. Shorter hit the portal and landed at Florida ahead of the 2020 with hopes that Dan Mullen's offense could help him find a spark in his game.

Shorter did wind up with 500 yards receiving in both 2021 and 2022, but had just five touchdowns over both those seasons and never developed into the game breaking receiver many envisioned.

Shorter was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2023 but was placed on injured reserve ahead of the season and didn't appear in a single game.

Lorenzo Lingard

Another highly sought after prospect from the Sunshine State, Lorenzo Lingard was considered one of the four best running backs in the country in the class of 2018. The Orange City native took his talents down south to Miami as part of their top 10 class from 2018.

A variety of issues including injuries derailed any chance Lingard had at Miami and he came to Florida ahead of the 2020 season. But three years later in Gainesville, Lingard never cracked the rotation for running backs and wound up with just 26 carries during his time with he Gators.

Lingard would transfer again after the 2022 season and finished out his career at Akron, where he did run for 641 yards during the 2023 season. He went undrafted in the 2024 draft but did sign with Jacksonville as a free agent.

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