The University of Florida bolstered its roster on Saturday after reeling in a commitment from Georgia transfer Jalen Kimber.
Kimber, a former UGA defensive back, concluded his second season with the Dawgs after receiving minimal playing time as a backup. The 6’0″, 170-pound Texas native found himself outside the front lines after freshman cornerback Kelee Ringo — Monday night’s national championship hero — captured the starting spot on the depth chart.
“This has been a difficult last few days which is I took some time to pray and reflect before making this post,” Kimber said on Twitter. “… Now as I move on to my next destination it’s time to go to work. The mission is clear and the time is now.”
Despite failing to earn the starting job at Georgia, Kimber relished success at the high school level as the No. 9 ranked cornerback (class of 2020) according to the 247 Sports Composite. That number checks out as the No. 13 overall in Texas, and 105th nationally. He joins a growing class of players — QB Jack Miller, RB Montrell Johnson and OT Kamryn Waites — to transfer to UF after the addition of Billy Napier as head coach.
“I think you could see us add a number of players over the next 10 days or so, maybe a little less than that, eight to 10 days,” Napier said. “We’re still in process of working on that part of our team.”
What’s Next
Florida’s cornerback corps will also sport the likes of Avery Helm, Devin Moore, Jaydon Hill, Jadarrius Perkins and Jason Marshall Jr. in 2022. Marshall Jr. is likely to be the top dog in the group — he recorded 23 tackles, three pass deflections and an interception in 2021 — with Helm and Perkins assisting from close behind.
Kaiir Elam, who previously served as the highlight of the defense at cornerback, declared for the NFL Draft last week.