Florida offensive tackle D.J. Humphries will bypass his senior season and declare for the draft. Or will he?
The Gainesville Sun reported that Humphries, who had hinted earlier this month he was thinking about turning pro, was declaring for the draft. But Humphries himself tweeted Thursday morning that he has yet to make a decision.
Humphries was the nation's top-ranked offensive tackle in the 2012 recruiting class but hasn't come close to living up to that billing.
Humphries (6-foot-5, 295 pounds) has been lauded for his athleticism, but he has had trouble at times with speed rushers and with getting enough push in the running game. He needs to add bulk and strength. One potential positive about saying in school: New coach Jim McElwain will throw the ball more than the previous coaching regime, meaning Humphries would get more reps as a pass blocker.
In addition to being the top-ranked tackle in the '12 recruiting class, Humphries also was considered a national top-15 player overall. He started three times as a true freshman, six times as a sophomore in 2013 (he missed the final five games with a knee injury) and nine times this season, missing two games with an ankle injury.
If Humphries does leave, McElwain will have a mess along the offensive line for next season, with just one starter returning. Two starters were seniors, center Max Garcia and right tackle Chas Green, and senior Trenton Brown was a part-time starter at guard. Humphries would be the second junior starting offensive lineman to leave early, joining guard Tyler Moore. The offense also is losing junior running back Matt Jones.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
