This puzzling Florida Gators wide receiver could end up having a surprising impact in the NFL.
The Florida Gators have three players who are sure-fire draft picks this April: defensive tackle Caleb Banks, center Jake Slaughter and cornerback Devin Moore.
Outside of that, it's relatively slim pickings in terms of NFL talent.
Yes, Florida had nine players invited to the Scouting Combine, but it would be hard to imagine anyone outside of the top three making it into Day 2 this April.
There is one player, whoever, who could ultimately become a surprising NFL talent, even if he ends up going undrafted: wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant.
Sturdivant may be one of the more perplexing players we have seen walk through Florida's doors in recent years.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound wide out played for two schools before arriving in Gainesville, spending time at both California and UCLA.
In spite of his impressive size and athleticism, Sturdivant was never able to carve out a consistent role throughout his collegiate career, most recently catching 27 passes for 406 yards and three touchdowns during his lone season with the Gators.
However, there appears to be some untapped talent here.
In Sturdivant's defense, he never really had an ideal quarterback situation in college. He did have Dante Moore at UCLA in 2023, but that was long before Moore became the player we know today at Oregon.
J. Michael Sturdivant. Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images.In fact, Sturdivant's most productive campaign came with Jack Plummer at Cal back in 2022, when he hauled in 65 receptions for 755 yards and seven scores.
Sturdivant has terrific speed, impressive versatility and knows how to use his size and frame to come down with contested catches. He is still rather raw in terms of his route running and his hands are questionable, but for a potential undrafted free agent, you don't expect perfection.
I'm not saying that Sturdivant is going to become Rod Smith or Victor Cruz, two of the most famous examples of undrafted receivers who went on to experience very fruitful NFL careers. But there is definitely something there.
I watched Sturdivant at UCLA before he even took his talents to the Swamp, and even then, I was puzzled. He appeared to have all of the makings of becoming a highly productive receiver. He just has never been able to put it together ... but the flashes have been there. Just ask Golden Bears fans.
Sturdivant will land with some NFL team this spring, whether that's in the latter stages of Day 3 or as an undraftee. He'll get an opportunity in training camp, and he could prove to be one of the most surprising names in camp come summertime.
Keep and eye on Sturdivant at the Scouting Combine when the receivers are set to perform on Saturday.
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