Florida Loses Two Big-Time Players for Gasparilla Bowl Against UCF

Florida Gators linebacker Mohamoud Diabate and defensive Zachary Carter will not play against UCF.

Brian Smith | Dec 10, 2021

The roster for Florida will not be what it looked like when the Gators took the field for the first 12 games of the 2021 season. Two players will not be with the Florida Football program when they go to Tampa to play UCF in the Gasparilla Bowl.

Edge rusher Zachery Carter will forgo his chance to represent the Gators and focus upon the NFL Draft. This is a big loss for Florida, as the senior produced eight sacks and 11 tackles for loss during the 2021 season alone. He’s a disruptive force.

Lord I thank you for getting me to this point‼️ nobody but you☝🏾
GATOR 4L 🐊💙🧡 pic.twitter.com/7FfHsrE8gf
— Zach Carter (@_Zachattacks) December 10, 2021

During his Florida career, Carter registered 17.5 sacks, 28.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and 107 tackles.

Another Florida player is also out for the Gasparilla Bowl, and this time it is the transfer portal. Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate was one of Florida’s best overall players this season, Diabate led the Gators with 89 total tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.

#Gators starting linebacker Mohamoud Diabate has entered the transfer portal, per report.https://t.co/jFY33189rv
— Zach Goodall (@zach_goodall) December 10, 2021

Prior to Carter and Diabate saying they would not play, wide receiver Jacob Copeland entered the transfer protal. However, according to All Gators Publisher Zach Goodall, he will still play in the Gasparilla Bowl...

That's the definition of odd...

What's next for Florida and its new Head Coach Billy Napier? The Gasparilla Bowl will be played on Dec. 23 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

For UCF coverage and recruiting information go to: The Daily Knight podcast. For more college football, UCF and recruiting information, go to Twitter: @fbscout_florida and @UCF_FanNation, as well as my YouTube Channel and Instagram page. Like and Subscribe!