Florida Gators QB Anthony Richardson entering 2023 NFL draft

Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson announced Monday that he’s leaving the program early to enter the 2023 NFL draft. He will also skip UF’s appearance against No. 17 Oregon State in the Las Vegas Bowl later this month.

“As I take my next step in this journey,” Richardson wrote in a social media post, “I will always be a Gator and strive to make Gator Nation proud!”

Richardson immediately becomes one of the most intriguing pro prospects this cycle. His talent is unquestioned. He has NFL size (6-foot-4, 232 pounds). He has NFL athleticism (watch the way he ran with power against Florida State, and with speed against LSU or Utah). He has an NFL arm (he had some of the longest throws at the Manning Passing Academy).

But his production has not matched his potential. Richardson threw 17 touchdown passes and 9 interceptions this season as a third-year sophomore — his first year as the starter. His passing efficiency (130.96) ranked 77th nationally, and his completion percentage (53.8) didn’t crack the top 100. He missed on 18 of his 27 throws in his final game, a loss at Florida State.

During the season, SEC Network analyst Jordan Rodgers compared him to the Bills’ Josh Allen, who had a mediocre college career at Wyoming but has become an NFL star. That’s the best-case scenario for Richardson, who has been considered a potential first-round pick in many early mock drafts.

His departure leaves an immediate void in Gainesville. UF dismissed his backup, Jalen Kitna, from the team last week after Kitna was arrested on five felony complaints involving child pornography.

The No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart for the regular-season finale was Jack Miller, a transfer from Ohio State. He did not play this season.

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