Utah emerges as leader for Florida linebacker transfer
The Utah Utes could be getting a big addition if they play their cards right. Florida linebacker Mohamoud Diabate, the Gators’ second-leading tackler this season, is reportedly considering Utah as his landing spot, sources told On3’s Matt Zenitz.
Diabate dominated on the Gators defense with 89 tackles this year, including 2.5 tackles for loss.
He played in all 12 games for Florida this year, including 10 starts. He opted out of the Gasparilla bowl game when he announced his intention to transfer almost a month ago.
During his three seasons with Florida, the linebacker posted 170 total tackles, six sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception.
Diabate was a four-star recruit from Auburn, Alabama, as part of the class of 2019. He was the No. 6 prospect in Alabama out of high school, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. While he had offers from more than a dozen programs coming out of high school, Utah was not among them.
After Dan Mullen’s firing, more than a handful of Gators entered the NCAA transfer portal. Joining Diabate were starting wideout Jacob Copeland, defensive back Elijah Blades and defensive end Dante Zanders.
As it is his first transfer of his college career, Diabate will be immediately eligible at his program of choice.
Diabate departs Florida
Leading up to his decision to transfer, Mohamoud Diabate shared some frustrations on Twitter. He discussed the way Florida had been running its program, specifically the nutrition, or lack thereof.
Diabate also voiced frustration about the defense following a loss to LSU. The Tigers upset the Gators and when asked after the game about defensive adjustments, Diabate was blunt.
“We made the adjustments we were given to make,” he said.
When asked if there was anything the defense could have done differently he responded, “Honestly I don’t know. That’s not my decision to make. I don’t look into those things. I’m like a soldier. When the general tells me where to shoot I shoot. I don’t really ask too many questions.”