Carlos Dunlap also declares for 2010 NFL Draft

By Adam Silverstein
January 11, 2010

Following the trend set by juniors cornerback Joe Haden, tight end Aaron Hernandez and center Maurkice Pouncey, defensive end Carlos Dunlap has decided to forgo his senior season with the Florida Gators and make himself eligible for the 2010 NFL Draft. Dunalp, who was at one point projected as a top-five pick, saw his stock fall after a shocking DUI arrest the Monday before the 2009 SEC Championship.

“This took a lot of thought and prayer between me and my family, and we decided that this was the best direction for me to take,” Dunlap said. “I’ve loved having the chance to play at Florida for Coach [Urban] Meyer, and playing for Coach Charlie Strong. I wouldn’t be the person or the player I am today without them and the other coaches who have helped me along the way.”

Already close to graduating, Dunlap received a promising grade from the league’s Draft Advisory Board – two factors that likely led to his decision. “The feedback that he’s gotten is that he will go late in the first round or early in the second round,” Dunlap’s father told Rivals last Tuesday. “Staying to get a degree isn’t going to be an issue because he’s on track to graduate in December. He’s close enough to getting his degree that he can do it anytime. So does he want to come back to finish up his education and maybe be the top overall draft choice next year or does he want to come out right now and start working on his NFL career?”

Obviously Dunlap, the defensive MVP of the 2009 BCS Championship and an almost unanimous All-SEC team selection, chose the latter. He closed his Florida career by earning two of the Gators’ three sacks in the Sugar Bowl against the Cincinnati Bearcats and finished with a team-high nine this season.

“Carlos has all of the physical tools to be successful at the next level,” Florida head coach Urban Meyer said. “I believe if he continues to grow and mature he will have a very long career in the NFL. He provided matchup problems for opposing teams and was a big part of our success during the last several years. We wish him the best of luck.”

13 Comments

  1. Mr2Bits says:

    Damnit…knew this was coming but was hoping my OB glasses would tell me otherwise. This bodes well for luring in Jeffcoat and locking up Powell some starting time as a freshman though.

  2. Dunlap was a great player for the Gators, but I found him to be inconsistent at times – seemed like he turned his motor off on occasion. Not trying to discredit him – I still think he’s talented enough to be a top-five pick.

  3. ReptilesRule says:

    Great decision for everyone. Carlos is set to make major money. I think we’ve seen the last of the Juniors to jump. Anyone else who does will only be hurting himself…

  4. Aligator says:

    Thanks CD for you time! Good luck on the next level!

  5. gator347 says:

    ReptilesRule:

    Well Major Wright just left.

    Looks like some youngsters will see som playing time.

    Adam:

    Do you see any of our Frosh making a big impact?

  6. Gator347 – “Not so fast my friend.” Check OGGOA’s top story.

  7. Drew 4 Orange and Blue says:

    Dunlap at least finacially made the right decision….I think he goes top 10…they said Powell would start at LB?

  8. Mr2Bits says:

    Drew : Where did you hear that about Powell? If it’s true Urban may be paving the way to bring in Jeffcoat? I would like that mix up as Poweel is so versatile. I also see Powell as our backup TE

  9. He heard that from the NBC video I posted. I don’t believe that for a second (him playing LB).

  10. gator347 says:

    Adam:

    Who do you see as immediate impact players?

  11. Drew 4 Orange and Blue says:

    I didn’t see your video but I assume it was from the Army game which is where I heard it….I don’t see how he will get PT at LB…but he clearly needs to add some weight to play the run…but he should be a force rushing the passer!!!!

  12. Brittany says:

    I can’t blame him for leaving, he’s a solid player.

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