Oregon DB Transfer Trikweze Bridges Commits to Florida

Oregon defensive back Trikweze Bridges became Florida's third transfer commitment within 24 hours on Monday morning.

Florida fans began their week with news of a third transfer commitment within 24 hours, as Oregon defensive back Trikweze Bridges announced his pledge to the Gators on Monday morning.

Committed to The University of Florida @GatorsFB 🐊 #GoGator #SEC pic.twitter.com/rqn4h14G2L

— On1y1Kweze (@Trikweze) December 18, 2023

Bridges follows former San Diego State offensive tackle Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson and former Pennsylvania defensive lineman Joey Slackman in committing to UF via transfer since Sunday. Bridges joins the Gators with one season of collegiate eligibility remaining. 

Bridges was one of the first portal prospects Florida prioritized upon the opening of the 2023 winter transfer period. The Gators hosted Bridges, alongside Slackman and other prospects, for official visits on the weekend of Dec. 8.

It was on that visit when Gators head coach Billy Napier and defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong revealed their plans to hire former Los Angeles Chargers assistant Will Harris as Florida's secondary coach, which was finalized the following Monday, and pitched Bridges on serving as a valuable veteran in the backend of UF's defense next season.

"I see what they're trying to do with this defense, how they're trying to change it around," Bridges told All Gators on Dec. 10. "They have some pieces here, but they are young and stuff like that. And I just know that it'd be a good thing to have someone in the room with them to turn the game around and just educate them and lead them. 

"They just need a big brother, and that's something that was like, it's a good note to have and take a look at." 

The 6-foot-3, 198-pound Bridges is regarded as the No. 9 cornerback and No., 102 overall prospect in the NCAA transfer portal by the 247Sports composite rankings. As a class of 2019 high school prospect from Lanett, Ala., Bridges was considered the No. 38 safety and No. 468 prospect nationwide. 

Over four seasons of playing time and 42 appearances with the Ducks, Bridges accumulated 91 total tackles including 2.5 for loss, four interceptions, nine pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He made 17 starts within Oregon's secondary and received All-Pac-12 Third-Team honors from Pro Football Focus for his play in 2022.

Although his spot in the defense is likely not finalized yet, Bridges expressed a desire to play safety with the Gators after transitioning to cornerback with the Ducks.

This is a breaking news story that will be updated as further details emerge.

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