Former 5-Star RB Lorenzo Lingard Announces Transfer From Miami to Florida
By Michael Luciano
Running back Lorenzo Lingard was one of the biggest recruiting grabs from one of Mark Richt's final classes at the University of Miami, but he is leaving Coral Gables after just 17 carries across two years in the program. On Dec. 30, he reportedly enteted the NCAA transfer portal.
On Friday, Lingard announced that he'll be transferring to Florida, where he should become an integral part of Dan Mullen's offense in Gainesville as soon as he's eligible.
I am truly blessed and thankful to be a Gator. The people who made this possible have changed my life. I am ready to do whatever it takes to become the best gator as a team player and student athlete. I know my Dad is excited for this , i want to maximize everything pic.twitter.com/YZXSgHpUkz
— Lorenzo Lingard JR (@d1champ99) January 3, 2020
Lingard, a former 5-star prospect and the No. 2 overall running back in the 2018 class according to 247Sports, carried the ball 17 times for 136 yards and two touchdowns during his freshman season at Miami. He injured his knee in the third game of that year against FIU, however, and didn't play an offensive snap in Manny Diaz's disaster of a 6-7 season this year, which will count as a redshirt season.
With No. 1 back Lamical Perine headed to the NFL, there is a legitimate chance that Lingard could end up as the starting running back in 2020 if he seeks and is granted immediate eligibility.
I’m hungry and I’m ready i can’t wait ??♂️?
— Lorenzo Lingard JR (@d1champ99) December 15, 2019
Lingard cited the need to be closer to his home in Orange City due to his father's health as the main reason for his transfer.
If Lingard has the same explosion and juice that he had before his injury, Dan Mullen and the Gators might have just stole a potential game-changing weapon away from the rival Canes.