
Deshawn Purdie is no longer going to play college football at Florida. The former Charlotte transfer officially withdrew his documents on Monday just 22 days after he committed to play for the Gators.
No further information has been provided about the sudden change of heart.
Purdie was a three-star prospect in the college football recruiting Class of 2024. He committed to play for the 49ers over five other scholarship offers, including James Madison, Fordham and Maryland. Although his freshman season was largely underwhelming, there were a few moments.
Charlotte went 5-7. Purdie completed only 50% of his 200 pass attempts for 1,802 yards with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. His rushing numbers are even worse, but 24 sacks did not help.
Purdie played the best game of his true freshman year against Florida Atlantic. He completed 16-of-30 passes for 396 yards and three touchdowns. It was the lone bright spot of his first season.
The 49ers ultimately fired head coach Biff Poggi in December. Purdie hit the portal just two days after the school announced his replacement. He visited the University of Georgia, the University of Florida and the University of North Carolina. The Gators received his commitment on Dec. 22.
BREAKING: Charlotte transfer QB Deshawn Purdie has signed with Florida, per @PeteNakos_🐊
— On3 (@On3sports) December 22, 2024
The freshman passed for 1,802 yards, 10 touchdowns and 6 interceptions this season.https://t.co/U31NaOwVgy pic.twitter.com/ez82Bwc5ss
However, Purdie did not show up to class for the spring semester on Monday. Rumors started to swirl over the weekend that he was already looking to leave. Sure enough, they were right!
Deshawn Purdie withdrew all of his signed documents at Florida. He is now eligible to transfer to another program.
Charlotte transfer QB Deshawn Purdie's signed Florida documents have been withdrawn, @On3sports has learned.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) January 13, 2025
As a true freshman, he threw for 1,802 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024.https://t.co/wMrfFrdlE6 pic.twitter.com/eB1JYUMtu0
The true reason for Purdie’s departure is unknown. Neither he, nor the Gators, nor his representation have offered any further comment on the matter. The silence is deafening.
Meanwhile, there are two primary rumors that continue to exist but they are completely unfounded at this moment. One such rumor suggests that Purdie thought he would be offered the opportunity to compete with D.J. Lagway for the starting job at Florida, which is probably not the case.
A second rumor suggests that there might be some shenanigans going on behind the scenes. Georgia pursued Purdie in the portal last month. The Bulldogs allegedly want him to either compete with Gunnar Stockton for the starting job or to serve as his backup and might’ve offered an NIL deal he couldn’t refuse.
Every minute that goes by without a formal comment from Deshawn Purdie or his camp allows these rumors to gain traction whether they are true or not. Maybe the truth will come out. Time will tell!