Tight end Gerald Christian and wide receiver Robert Clark will transfer from the Florida Gators, the team announced today. To no one's surprise, the issue for both sophomores is playing time. "Both of these players have expressed a desire for more playing time and felt that it would be in their best interests to transfer," coach Will Muschamp said via a news release. "We wish them both the best of luck and appreciate their contributions to the program."
Christian caught four passes for 72 yards this season, including a touchdown. Clark had yet to tally a catch this season, but in 2010, he made seven receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown.
Andy Hutchins of Alligator Army, SB Nation's Gators blog, assesses the impact of the players' decision to transfer thusly:
And so Florida's anemic passing game loses two more little-used options, Florida's "You can play from Day One" pitch to recruits gets a little more potent, and the beat-up, depleted Gators lose more of the precious little depth they have.
The Gators rank No. 101 out of 120 FBS teams in passing yards and No. 104 in touchdowns, so their passing game is indeed anemic at best. The early-season injury to quarterback John Brantley has certainly hurt Florida in that regard.