Gators DT Sharrif Floyd looks back on rough past

In a brand new feature for NFL.com, reporter Jeff Darlington takes a deep and detailed look at Florida Gators defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and the multiple roadblocks he has been forced to overcome in order to get where he is today.

Below are just a few snippets from Darlington’s terrific, must-read feature, which can be read in full by clicking here. There is also a video package that goes along with the story, which can be viewed on its own by clicking here.

» Floyd on learning about his grandmother’s rough childhood: “I idolized her right then and there. Even to this day, she’s still grinding and working hard to make ends meet. And I think it’s about time for her to relax a little bit and enjoy the rest of her days.”

» Floyd on the rough time he had growing up: “The type of bad that you see on a normal basis is not the normal bad I’ve seen. Growing up, I was abused by my father. And now, I can’t wait to have kids because I didn’t have a father that took me to play baseball or took me to concerts and things that a father should do.”

» Floyd on why he chose to wear No. 73 in high school and college: “My high school coach (Ron Cohen) sat me down and said, ‘Pick a number.’ I asked him, ‘What number has nobody done anything with?’ He gave me four numbers, and I said, ‘Alright, 73.’ And that was the number I made mine.”

» Head coach Will Muschamp on what Floyd has overcome: “People want to make excuses, saying some guys are just the products of their environment. Sharrif Floyd defies that theory. There is no reason he should be the kid he is right now. His background is as tough as anyone I’ve been around.”

OGGOA Story: Floyd, a top 10 talent, just scratching the surface

Floyd has risen from a sure-fire first-round selection to what appears to be a consensus top-five overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. He may even wind up becoming the highest-drafted player Florida football history.

Photo Credit: ESPN Images