O'Cyrus Torrence became the first true freshman offensive lineman to start for Louisiana in 15 years during the 2019 season. (Photo: Isabella Marley/UAA Communications)
Gators Newcomer Torrence a Mix of Technique and Spiciness
Tuesday, August 2, 2022 | Football, Scott Carter
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By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The move from a Group of Five school to a Power Five program has its challenges.
For one, the competition is more rigorous. That didn't surprise Gators offensive lineman O'Cyrus Torrence, who arrived in the spring after three seasons at Louisiana. A self-described student of the game, Torrence followed head coach Billy Napier to Florida, prepared for whatever test on the field the change of scenery offered.
Torrence packs a blue-collar work ethic everywhere he goes.
"He shows up and does the work every day,'' said Mark Hocke, Florida's first-year associate head coach and director of football strength and conditioning. "No nonsense. O'Cyrus isn't going to be loud or anything, but he's consistent, and I'd say he's loud because of that."
A two-time all-state selection at St. Helena Central High in the tiny town of Greensburg, La. — population 639 according to the latest information from the U.S. Census Bureau — Torrence grasped from an early age that he had an advantage over other kids.
He wasn't always 6-foot-5 and 347 pounds as listed on Florida's current roster, but Torrence towered over teammates, classmates and family members since he was young. As he developed into a promising player, Torrence used his size and desire for an edge to his advantage.
"I just prided myself on technique and being sound with it,'' he said. "I was always bigger and stronger than a lot of people my age, so I felt like I needed something else. I knew that wouldn't get the best I needed to be when I get to the next level or even when I get to the NFL."
Gators offensive lineman O'Cyrus Torrence transferred from Louisiana. (Photo: Jordan McKendrick/UAA Communications)
In his transition from two-time All-Sun Belt Conference player to one of the Southeastern Conference's top transfer additions this season, Torrence has handled most everything tossed his way. Projected to start at guard for the Gators, Torrence has experience inside and outside on the offensive line.
Still, there have been trails he did not expect. Growing up in Cajun Country, Torrence prefers his meals hot and spicy. He discovered many in these parts have milder tastes.
"I'm just used to the spiciness of Louisiana,'' he said. "I have to kind of find places that have [spicy] food or just cook my own. I have to put my Louisiana style to it."
The Gators need a spicy Torrence when he straps on his helmet this season to run block and help protect quarterback Anthony Richardson. Coming out of high school, Torrence received offers from Georgia, Louisiana Tech, South Alabama and Middle Tennessee. He hoped LSU would extend an offer, but when that didn't happen, he signed with Louisiana and was in the starting lineup in the second game of the season, becoming the first Ragin' Cajuns true freshman offensive lineman to start in 15 years.
Gators offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Rob Sale was in his second season on Napier's staff at Louisiana when Torrence took off. He has started 35 games over the last three seasons and is arguably Florida's biggest offseason acquisition.
"He's big; he's twitchy. Football comes easy for O'Cyrus. It really does,'' Sale said.
Sale won't get an argument from Gators defensive lineman Gervon Dexter, who often does battle with Torrence at practice.
Dexter is considered Florida's most talented defensive lineman and is primed for a breakout season as a junior. He said Torrence has already made him a better player in his short time in the program.
"That was huge for me because O'Cyrus is a big, big guy, and he can move well,'' Dexter said. "You wouldn't know you're going against a pro until you go against O'Cyrus. Physically, he does all the right stuff. When you're pass rushing against O'Cyrus, you've really got to sit down and figure out what he's doing because if you just go out there and try to rush him freely, it ain't going to work.
"That was a gift for O'Cyrus to come to Florida."
Napier and Co. first discovered how gifted Torrence was after he sat out Louisiana's first couple of series in the 2019 season opener. By the third series, Torrence was in the lineup and never left.
He handled his quick ascension like a veteran accustomed to the pressure to perform.
"It kind of surprised me, but it didn't at the same time,'' Torrence said. "Because throughout the whole summer, Coach Napier — it was more from my O-Line coach, just kind of telling me we're going to need you this year. I was nervous for the first few plays, which I'm sure anybody would be, but from them telling me all summer and just working me like I was going to start, it helped me without me even knowing it because I was out there."
Torrence said he encountered a similar experience when he joined the Gators and had to find his spot on the team. Once he got comfortable with the help of his new teammates, Torrence started doing what he does: he got to work on his technique.
"My technique is, to me, one of the most important parts of my game,'' he said. "It comes from film study on myself more than just other people."
When the Gators reported for the start of preseason camp on Tuesday, Torrence felt at home. The decision to transfer with two years of eligibility was an easy one.
He trusted Napier and Sale at Louisiana and is glad he did. He expects comparable results with the Gators in between whatever spicy meals he can dish up.
"I didn't make the wrong choice then, and I didn't make it this time," he said.
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