Kaiir Elam exits Florida Field after his final game at The Swamp, Florida's win over Florida State in late November. (Photo: Leslie White/UAA Communications)
Carter's Corner: Gators CB Kaiir Elam Declares For NFL Draft
Monday, January 10, 2022 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Gators cornerback Kaiir Elam entered his junior season projected as a potential first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The same remains true after Florida's roller-coaster season.
On Monday, Elam made it official and announced he has declared for the draft. Elam said after lengthy discussions with his family, he is ready to test himself at the next level.
"We feel like it is essential for me to forego my senior season and start preparing for the NFL combine and draft,'' Elam said. "I'll forever be a Gator. I'll forever be grateful for all the fans and for all the real people who stuck with us through the ups and downs. Being able to come back to the Swamp is something I will cherish the rest of my life. Being a Gator is something I will cherish for the rest of my life."
As a sophomore in 2020, Elam earned first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors and elevated his status in the eyes of NFL scouting personnel. The 6-foot-2, 196-pound Elam had another solid season in 2021 despite missing three games due to a knee injury.
Elam started 10 games and recorded 29 tackles, six passes defended and one interception. Elam finished his UF career with six interceptions in 35 games, with a career-high three as a freshman in 2019. As Elam's reputation grew as a lock-down defender, teams tended to throw more and more to the other side of the field.
The same remains true after Florida's roller-coaster season.
On Monday, Elam made it official and announced he has declared for the draft. Elam said after lengthy discussions with his family, he is ready to test himself at the next level.
"We feel like it is essential for me to forego my senior season and start preparing for the NFL combine and draft,'' Elam said. "I'll forever be a Gator. I'll forever be grateful for all the fans and for all the real people who stuck with us through the ups and downs. Being able to come back to the Swamp is something I will cherish the rest of my life. Being a Gator is something I will cherish for the rest of my life."
As a sophomore in 2020, Elam earned first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors and elevated his status in the eyes of NFL scouting personnel. The 6-foot-2, 196-pound Elam had another solid season in 2021 despite missing three games due to a knee injury.
Elam started 10 games and recorded 29 tackles, six passes defended and one interception. Elam finished his UF career with six interceptions in 35 games, with a career-high three as a freshman in 2019. As Elam's reputation grew as a lock-down defender, teams tended to throw more and more to the other side of the field.
Forever Striving For More. pic.twitter.com/hXQ2b6eWJs
— Kaiir Elam (@kaiirelam5) January 10, 2022
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