South Carolina LB Transfer Grayson 'Pup' Howard Commits to Florida Gators

Gators land coveted linebacker transfer from South Carolina, Grayson 'Pup' Howard.

The Gators' defense continued to collect reinforcements on Thursday as coveted South Carolina linebacker transfer Grayson 'Pup' Howard announced his pledge to Florida.

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— Grayson “PUP” Howard (@decaphobia) January 4, 2024

Howard holds three years of collegiate eligibility remaining after appearing in the Gamecocks' final 11 games as a true freshman in 2023. He accounted for 18 tackles during his lone campaign in Columbia (S.C.).

A former four-star recruit from Andrew Jackson High School in Jacksonville, Fla., Howard was considered one of the Gators' top off-ball linebacker prospects during the 2023 cycle. Pursued heavily by area recruiter — and Florida outside linebackers coach — Mike Peterson, the 6-foot-4, 241-pound second-level defender expressed interest in continuing his career in Gainesville during the early stages of his recruitment.

However, he bought into the vision Shane Beamer was selling at South Carolina amid an eight-win campaign in 2022. He committed to the Gamecocks on June 27, 2022, before finalizing his alignment with the team on Dec. 21, 2022.

Upon arrival, Howard garnered considerable praise from Beamer as a cornerstone asset for the program's future and was deemed a Preseason SEC Freshman All-American.

He produced fruitful in-season returns, failing to miss a single tackle per Pro Football Focus on the year in 221 total snaps.

The Gators, aiming to stack ready-now talent at linebacker, quickly rekindled their relationship with the physically imposing, sure-tackling linebacker upon his entry on Tuesday. One day later, UF persuaded him to don orange and blue in the next step of his collegiate career.

Howard's proficiency in diagnosing rushing lanes and rapidly filling the gaps makes him a valuable addition to Florida's second level.

He joins incumbent starter Shemar James as well as reserves Derek Wingo, Deuce Spurlock and Jaden Robinson in the position room in 2024. High-upside freshmen Myles Graham and Aaron Chiles are also anticipated to compete for roles in the unit's rotation upon their arrival in Gainesville.

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