Michael Tarquin named Gators' Wuerffel Man of the Month
Florida Gators redshirt sophomore Michael Tarquin was named the Danny Wuerffel Man of the Month on Wednesday.
“It’s an honor to receive an award with your name on it,” Tarquin said to Danny Wuerffel in a video that was released. “This type of award has a lot to do with not only myself as a player but as a leader.”
“I feel like as a guy that, I believe strongly in leading by example. I feel like that’s something I’m really good at. It’s something that I improved upon a lot through spring, growing up and taking that next step being an older guy now. Being a lot more vocal and leading by example.”
The honor is given monthly to “a football scholar-athlete that exemplifies the Gator Standard, demonstrating holistic excellence in leadership, character, service, and academics”. The distinction is not an on-field achievement, but rather one about the character of the player.
The newer award was introduced last month, with outside linebacker Chief Borders earning the recognition. Marco Ortiz earned the second honor. According to Florida, it aims to recognize a player who “exemplifies the Gator Standard, demonstrating holistic excellence in leadership, character, service, and academics.”
Tarquin on the field
Tarquin enrolled at Florida in 2019 and has been on the All-SEC Academic Honor roll twice (2020 and 2021). He played in three games and redshirted. Tarquin made his collegiate debut in the Gators’ home opener vs. UT Martin (Sept. 7).
He appeared in all 10 games as a redshirt freshman in 2020.
Tarquin appeared in 12 games in 2021, making two starts. He made his first career start against Vanderbilt. He was part of an offensive line that only allowed 14 sacks/1.08 per game. That tied for the seventh lowest in FBS and second in the SEC.
Tarquin is projected to be a solid contributor this season for the Gators. He has a chance to earn a starting job at right tackle.
