GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida quarterback Kyle Trask made his future plans official Thursday, formally announcing he’s declining an opportunity to return to school and entering the NFL Draft.
Trask was expected to turn pro after a record-breaking season that included being named a Heisman Trophy finalist, which will be announced Tuesday night.
Coach Dan Mullen made it clear he was moving forward with Emory Jones and Anthony Richardson at the position.
Nonetheless, Trask made his announcement in a 2-minute, 19-second video released on social media.
Forever a Gator. 🐊 pic.twitter.com/dbMaMsl4mz
— Kyle Trask (@ktrask9) December 31, 2020
"This decision, I talked a lot with my coaches about it, I talked with my family, my friends and just my support group," Trask said. "I feel it's best to chase my dreams of playing in the NFL. I've had dreams of playing in the NFL ever since I was a kid. Just to have this opportunity to play at the next level, it's crazy and I'm just going to try and go and make the most of it."
Trask completed 68.9% of his passes for 4,283 yards and 43 touchdowns this season. He led the nation in passing yards and touchdown passes. He also ran for three scores. He broke the previous school record (39) for TD passes (39) set by 1996 Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel.
But Trask threw three interceptions on the Gators' first three drives Wednesday against Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl, leading to 17 points. The No. 8 Sooners routed the No. 10 Gators in a 55-20 win in Arlington, Texas.
Trask played behind Feleipe Franks in Gainesville, but the starter suffered a season-ending ankle injury in September 2019.
Defensive tackle Kyree Campbell also announced plans to turn pro. Campbell was one of three defensive starters to opt out of the Cotton Bowl.
Trask and Campbell are seniors who could have played one more year under a special NCAA rule put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Fellow defensive tackle Zachary Carter, meanwhile, announced plans to return to school for his senior season. Carter led the Gators with five sacks in 2020.