The Florida Gators are getting ready to start fall camp in less than two weeks, but some eye-opening news has come in on a veteran offensive lineman. That'd be second-year Gator Devon Manuel, who transferred to Florida after previously playing for Arkansas.
According to multiple reports, the redshirt senior was arrested a little after midnight on Friday and he's now facing charges for a misdemeanor DUI and also a second-degree felony for the possession of a concealed weapon. Manuel was arrested in Gainesville on Southwest 34th Street.
Veteran Florida OL Devon Manuel was arrested on Friday and he's facing multiple charges
According to Graham Hall of 247Sports, Manuel was pulled over and officers quickly smelled an odor to marijuana - he admitted to smoking out of a cartridge. Per the police report that Hall referenced, the arresting officers asked Manuel if he had a card to possess marijuana and he confirmed with them that he didn't.
On top of that, Manuel also admitted that he had a gun in the car with him. Per Hall, the officers then found a Glock 20 pistol right next to the driver's seat. Manuel was taken to Alachua County Jail - he was then granted his release after posting bond.
Via On3's GatorsOnline, a Florida spokesperson released the following statement after the news of Manuel's arrest was made public: “We are aware of the situation with Devon Manuel. We will gather all the facts and monitor the situation.”
Last season for Florida, his first suiting up for Billy Napier, the 6-7 lineman appeared in three games as a backup for the Gators. The previous two seasons, he played in 10 games combined for Arkansas before he decided to enter the transfer portal.
Manuel was expected to battle for Florida's right tackle job at fall camp, but we'll now have to wait and see how Florida and Napier handle his arrest. Not long ago, nose tackle Stephon Shivers was dismissed from the program after being charged with felony false imprisonment.