GAINESVILLE -- Star defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd was declared ineligible by the University of Florida on Saturday and will not be allowed to compete for the Gators until cleared by the NCAA, the UF athletic department announced on Saturday.
The athletic department issued a statement announcing Floyd’s playing status minutes before kickoff of Saturday’s season opener against FAU, in which the Gators defeated the Owls 41-3. Floyd watched the game from the sideline in street clothes.
UF said in its release that “this is an issue that is not related to sports agents, University of Florida boosters or his recruitment to Florida.” Floyd was projected to start on Saturday and is the Gators best interior defensive lineman. A sophomore, Floyd was one of the nation’s top-rated recruits two years ago.
“We have been and will continue to work with the NCAA until this matter is resolved,” UF said in its statement.
