Running back Lamical Perine became the fifth UF player picked in the 2020 NFL Draft when the Jets selected him as the 120th overall pick. (Photo: Courtney Culbreath/UAA Communications)
NFL Draft: Perine Headed to Big Apple, Selected By New York Jets in 4th Round
Saturday, April 25, 2020 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Running back Lamical Perine continued to get better with the Gators, earning Orange Bowl MVP honors in his final game.
His next stop is New York after the Jets selected Perine in the fourth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday afternoon. Perine is the fifth UF player selected in this year's draft, going to the Jets with the 120th overall pick. He is the highest-drafted UF running back since Matt Jones went in the third round to the Redskins in 2015.
His next stop is New York after the Jets selected Perine in the fourth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday afternoon. Perine is the fifth UF player selected in this year's draft, going to the Jets with the 120th overall pick. He is the highest-drafted UF running back since Matt Jones went in the third round to the Redskins in 2015.
"He was a coach's dream to work with,'' Gators running backs coach Greg Knox said. "When you have those players that love the game and study the game, it makes your job much easier. He was fully committed to reaching his full potential in the classroom, weight room and on the field."
Perine broke into the lineup as a true freshman in 2016 and never slowed down, finishing his career with 2,485 career yards, eighth on UF's all-time list. He rushed for 676 yards as a senior and caught 40 passes. He is expected to share the backfield as a Jets rookie with veteran Le'Veon Bell, who is not expected to be with the Jets past the 2020 season.
New York selected Perine, who signed with Florida out of Mobile, Ala., a round after selecting UF defensive end Jabari Zuniga. It's the first time the Jets have drafted players from the same school with back-to-back picks since taking Baylor running back Terrance Ganaway and offensive lineman Robert Griffin in 2012.
Perine broke into the lineup as a true freshman in 2016 and never slowed down, finishing his career with 2,485 career yards, eighth on UF's all-time list. He rushed for 676 yards as a senior and caught 40 passes. He is expected to share the backfield as a Jets rookie with veteran Le'Veon Bell, who is not expected to be with the Jets past the 2020 season.
New York selected Perine, who signed with Florida out of Mobile, Ala., a round after selecting UF defensive end Jabari Zuniga. It's the first time the Jets have drafted players from the same school with back-to-back picks since taking Baylor running back Terrance Ganaway and offensive lineman Robert Griffin in 2012.
"It's great to be a Jet."
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 25, 2020
🙌 @LP_deucedeuce 🙌 pic.twitter.com/vCbAJOG1MC
Perine grew up dreaming of playing in the NFL. First, he had to earn a college scholarship. After Auburn told him he was too slow, Perine drew Florida's attention after taking a bus from his hometown to attend a camp at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. In his signature moment with the Gators, Perine sealed a 24-13 win over Auburn his senior season with an 88-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
He took over from there, inspired by two cousins who are in the NFL: running back Samaje Perine, fourth-round pick of Washington in 2017 now with Miami, and Jacksonville linebacker Myles Jack.
Gators head coach Dan Mullen offered a congratulatory note to Perine on Twitter -- and a vote of confidence on New York's selection.
"The Jets are getting a leader on and off the field,'' Mullen said. "Versatile playmaker built for today's NFL. Always pushing to get better and improve."
He took over from there, inspired by two cousins who are in the NFL: running back Samaje Perine, fourth-round pick of Washington in 2017 now with Miami, and Jacksonville linebacker Myles Jack.
Gators head coach Dan Mullen offered a congratulatory note to Perine on Twitter -- and a vote of confidence on New York's selection.
"The Jets are getting a leader on and off the field,'' Mullen said. "Versatile playmaker built for today's NFL. Always pushing to get better and improve."
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