Several media outlets are reporting today that Florida offensive lineman Matt Patchan and safety Pop Saunders are leaving the UF program to transfer to other schools.
Saunders has missed significant time since coming to UF for various reasons; the sophomore was suspended on more than one occasion in his career and this season was ruled out of Florida’s last two regular season games and the bowl game.
The departure of Saunders has been rumored for several weeks but the departure of the senior Patchan comes as a bit more of a surprise. Patchan has missed a lot of time in his career as well but in his case, the reason was because of a myriad of injuries. Both players have been starters in their careers.
Saunders told the Gainesville Sun his most likely destination ironically is Louisville, Florida’s opponent in the Sugar Bowl. Cardinals coach Charlie Strong is very familiar with Saunders from his days at UF. Patchan is rumored to be considering Ohio State, where former Gator coach Urban Meyer is now the head man, or Boston College, where Patchan’s former offensive line coach at UF, Steve Addazio, is now the head coach.