Florida Gators WR Dionte Marks Transfers to UCF

The Florida Gators lose a speedy wide receiver to the UCF Knights via the NCAA transfer portal.

Florida Gators rising redshirt freshman wide receiver Dionte Marks is headed to UCF after entering the NCAA transfer portal on Wednesday, he announced on Instagram. The announcement was shared on Twitter by members of UCF media.

Former DeLand star Dionte Marks announced early this morning via IG he is transferring to UCF. 6-2 WR, really big addition for future depth considering Tre Nixon, Marlon Williams and Jacob Harris are seniors. https://t.co/b0puATPpJA https://t.co/wh4SoOLzqb

— Brandon Helwig (@UCFSports) July 17, 2020

"First and foremost, I would like to thank the University of Florida for the amazing opportunity to be a part of a fantastic program," Marks wrote. "Also I want to thank everyone who has helped me become a better man from the time of me being there. [Head] coach [Dan] Mullen, [wide receivers] coach [Billy] Gonzales, and all the other coaches including the staff.

"With that being said I'll be transferring to the University of Central Florida."

Marks, 6-2, 178 lbs., originally hails from Deland High School (Fla.), just 45 minutes north of the University of Central Florida. UCF was one of several in-state schools that were in on Marks' recruitment, so even though he shut things down early by committing to Florida in February of 2018, it's of little surprise that UCF was in the running here.

Seeing little action in his first season at Florida, Marks took the field for six snaps in two games against UT-Martin and Towson. Marks tallied 45 receptions for 964 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior at Deland High School, showcasing promising speed throughout his game, specifically after the catch.

Marks was considered the No. 57 wide receiver and No. 489 overall prospect in the class of 2019, by the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

The Gators lost four wide receivers to the NFL following the 2019 season, and should there be a 2020 season, the team will depend on an influx of youth to pair with remaining, lesser experienced veterans in head coach Dan Mullen's spread offense. However, while losing Marks' potential stings, Florida still has plenty of pass-game options such as veterans Trevon Grimes, Kadarius Toney, and Jacob Copeland, fellow rising second-year receivers Trent Whittemore and Ja'Markis Weston, and incoming freshmen Xzavier Henderson and Ja'Quavion Fraziars.