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Anthony Richardson stood on the field of the Florida Gators indoor practice facility with the ball in hand. Every eye in the packed room was glued to the 6-foot-4, 246-pound athletic specimen. He took a three step drop, uncorked his arm and unleashed an absolute rocket into the sky. The ball whistled through the air as it made its trajectory towards a speeding Justin Shorter 60-plus yards down field.
Thud! What sounded like a bowling ball hitting a wooden floor, the ball that left Richardson’s hands made an emphatic clash with the ceiling of the massive facility. Richardson’s arm is simply too strong.
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1641476585327849474?s=20
Richardson wowed scouts with his arm, launching deep ball after deep ball. He was the star of the show.
But he wasn’t the only Gator to shine. He’s also not the only Gator projected to be selected in round one. O’Cyrus Torrence certainly drew a crowd – the 6 foot 5 All-American guard reportedly met with the Titans and Rams this week. But he’s far from done. Torrence told Steve Russell today on Sport Scene that several more team meetings await.
On defense, defensive linemen Brenton Cox and Gervon Dexter showed off their size and strength while linebacker Amari Burney showed off his speed, blazing the 40-yard dash.
Dexter weighed in at 318 pounds at 6 foot 5 as Cox powered through 29 reps on the bench press.
Brenton Cox hits 29 reps. @InsideTheGators @brenton_cox_ #ProDay2023 pic.twitter.com/AuQaZtDHwO
— Ellie Shreve (@ellie_shreve) March 30, 2023
Burney’s 4.53 40 time would rank seventh among all linebackers at the NFL combine. Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke got a front row seat to see Burney fly.
#Jaguars HC Doug Pederson and GM Trent Baalke look on as #Gators LB Amari Burney runs a blazing 4.54 40.
Pederson and Balke have a front row seat for every Gator’s 40. pic.twitter.com/RDaNzFQYdq
— Big Will (@BigWillLevenson) March 30, 2023
On the back end, safety Trey Dean III improved upon his 40-time from the combine. The 4-year starter at Florida certainly spent the last few weeks working on his speed – and it paid off with a .6-second improvement and a 4.69 time.
Big names from all across the league were in town to see the Gators show off their skills. From Pederson to Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll – the Heavener football facility certainly had quite the audience. Few guests seem more important than Panthers head coach Frank Reich and members of the organization who were present. Carolina is currently on the clock with the top overall pick – and Richardson is in play for the selection.
Several members of the Carolina #Panthers organization at #Gators pro day today.
Head coach Frank Reich, QB coach Josh McCown, senior analyst Jim Caldwell and several more scouts all present.
Panthers hold the first overall pick. Anthony Richardson set to throw later today. pic.twitter.com/U5clt73mjP
— Big Will (@BigWillLevenson) March 30, 2023
Reich and company certainly got a show from Richardson who – beyond launching balls to the ceiling – uncorked several beautiful deep connections.
Yeah, Anthony Richardson has a howitzer. #Gators pic.twitter.com/iW6pJlc5wp
— Big Will (@BigWillLevenson) March 30, 2023
It wasn’t over for Richardson after a long day of throwing. The former Eastside high school star was a wanted man from the media after his performance. AR completed interviews with NFL Network, ESPN, WRUF, Channel 9 news in Charlotte and a press conference all in less than an hour. Safe to say he’s a pretty popular guy.
Anthony Richardson. Popular guy. pic.twitter.com/61bLQ06JKF
— Big Will (@BigWillLevenson) March 30, 2023
Despite the endless interviews and attention from the media at pro day, Richardson said he’s thankful for the day and the process.
For Richardson and every Gator at pro day, the clock is ticking until draft day on April 27.
In less than a month they’ll know their home for the next few years – Richardson better hope it’s with a team who’s stadium doesn’t have a roof.
