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Florida, currently with only two quarterbacks on scholarship heading into next season, has set their sights on two experienced signal callers out of the Transfer Portal. UCLA’s Justyn Martin, who is heading into his redshirt junior season, and Charlotte’s Deshawn Purdie, who will be a true sophomore in 2025.
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Martin, who just completed his two day official visit to Florida, compared it to when he took visits to Cal, Ole Miss, UCLA and Washington coming out of high school.
“These visits are a little different because I have a comparison to go off of now,” said Martin. “In high school I was star-struck over facilities and uniforms. Now I have a mature way of looking at things. I’m looking for the best fit in an offense and development.”
Along those lines, Martin said he had an opportunity to watch Florida’s Thursday bowl practice and speak at length with Billy Napier and quarterbacks coach Ryan O’Hara.
“The highlight of my visit was seeing practice and an SEC operation live, in person,” he said. “I was really impressed with how efficient the offense was and how much energy everyone had for the offense. The message from the coaches was that I could come to a place and be developed at a high level with my skill set. They kept telling me how important it was to have two quarterbacks in the SEC.”
As of today, Martin said that he is waiting to see how college coaching hires play out before planning his next step.
I plan to set up more visits for next week but as of now I don’t have any other ones yet,” said Martin. “I’ll have a better idea next week with all of the coaching changes around the country. I am looking for new opportunity and a place that will allow me to show my skill set. I want to go to a program where I can win a lot of games and play good football.”
In two years Martin has played in five games, going 24-of-35, for 179 yards passing and one touchdown.
Martin isn’t the only ex Bruin who is considering the Gators. His former teammate, receiver J.Michael Sturdivant is also on the board and they’ve talked about UF and the transfer process.
“I have talked to JMike and I’d love to play with him again. He’s an explosive receiver who just needs an opportunity.”
Up next to visit UF is the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Purdie, who besides Florida also has offers from Georgia and Mississippi State.
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