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Dameon Pierce has simple response when asked why he’ll play in Florida’s bowl game
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Florida running back Dameon Pierce hopes to be on an NFL roster and contributing at the professional level at this time next year.
Instead of sitting out the Gasparilla Bowl against UCF on Thursday in Tampa and turning his full attention to preparing for the NFL Draft, the versatile Pierce will be on the field for the Gators for one final time. When asked during a Tuesday press conference why he opted to suit up, he had a relatively simple answer.
“Why? Because I’m a Gator, bro,” he said. “When I signed here, I signed for four good years, get my education and I’m going to rock out that way until I die, you know.”
No one would have faulted Pierce for opting out of the team’s postseason appearance. But for Gators fans looking to receive a final glimpse of him in the familiar Florida colors, they’ll get their wish on Thursday. He has totaled 12 rushing touchdowns and 517 yards on 87 carries while pulling in 18 catches for 217 yards and 3 scores.
Florida and UCF kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, with the game set to be televised on ESPN.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
