Gators Loucheiz Purifoy a multiple threat

Florida Gators sophomore all-purpose threat Loucheiz Purifoy has excelled in two facets of the game over the course of the season and could see his role expand even further in the 2013 Sugar Bowl against Louisville.

Purifoy has been a consistent presence for the Gators secondary this season, starting 11 games for the Gators at cornerback and finishing fourth on the team with 41 tackles and three forced fumbles. Purifoy has also excelled on special teams, blocking two kicks while also playing a part returning kickoffs, but the Pensacola native has seen his role on offense expand as the season went on.

Purifoy made history for the Gators in the regular-season finale against the Florida State Seminoles when he became the first player since Keiwan Ratliff in 2003 to start on both sides of the ball. In the Gators 37-26 win over the Seminoles, Purifoy had one carry for eight yards on a reverse from his wide receiver position and accounted for five tackles on defense. Purifoy also returned two kickoffs for 44 yards against FSU.

Florida head coach Will Muschamp told Hays Carylon of the Florida Times-Union that he thinks Purifoy's speed could be a major strength for the Gators on both sides of the ball not only against Louisville on Jan. 2, but next year as well:

"The bottom line is you've got to get the ball in the hands of guys that can make plays, and play hard and play fast and play physical, and he does. So, he will have a lot of opportunities as we move forward. But, he's still going to be a corner though."

With three weeks still until the Sugar Bowl, Purifoy is immersing himself in the Gators offensive playbook, trying to learn as much as possible to give his team an added wrinkle against former Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong's Cardinals.