Florida Gators defense endured a major loss this weekend as defensive tackle Leon Orr has been dismissed from the team. Orr, a fifth year senior, became disgruntled after learning from head coach Will Muschamp that he would not be in the starting lineup for a fifth straight game. Instead of using the news as motivation, Orr elected to return to his home and not be a part of the team’s 34-10 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores. Muschamp handled the situation with care giving Orr an ultimatum – attend the game or you’re off the team – and Orr chose the latter.
“I said ‘If you go home, you’re done. You’re not a Florida Gator anymore,'” Muschamp said. “Appreciate Leon and his contributions to our football program. He felt like he should be starting; I think we’ve been very productive with the four guys that have been starting.”
This season, Orr has played in five games- starting two- collecting 16 tackles, two tackles for a loss, and a forced fumble. The big man has totaled 62 tackles and 4.5 sacks during his career with the Gators and was expected to be a major contributor along the defensive line. Still, Orr was unable to separate himself and earn a starting role leading to his dismissal.
Expect to see more details unravel as the week progress, but the Gators will be without an important defensive piece as the team wraps up its season with games against South Carolina, East Kentucky, and No. 2 Florida State. After a mid season lull, Muschamp, who sits on the hot seat, has Florida playing their best football of the year and ready to make a run at a spot in a top bowl game. It all begins Saturday against the arch rival Gamecocks in a when the Gators host South Carolina in the swamp.
*Section Photo credit to David Carr, Independent Alligator; Featured Photo (above) credit to Kim Klement, USA Today Sports
