Appalachian State Transfer OL Markell Samuel Commits to Florida Gators
The Florida Gators have added a major piece to their offensive line with the commitment of Appalachian State transfer Markell Samuel. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound offensive lineman announced his decision to join the Gators via social media, providing a significant boost to Florida’s depth and experience up front.
Samuel, a redshirt junior, spent the last three seasons at Appalachian State where he developed into a reliable and versatile lineman. Known for his physicality, quick feet, and ability to play both guard and tackle positions, Samuel started in 11 games last season and helped anchor one of the top rushing offenses in the Sun Belt Conference.
His move to Florida comes at a crucial time, as head coach Billy Napier continues to rebuild the Gators’ offensive front. Florida’s line struggled with consistency in 2024, and the addition of a seasoned lineman like Samuel brings both talent and leadership to the unit. He is expected to compete immediately for a starting role.
“I’m grateful for my time at App State, but I’m excited for this new chapter,” Samuel said in a statement. “Florida gives me the opportunity to play at the highest level and continue to develop as a player.”
Samuel’s transfer also reflects the growing importance of the NCAA transfer portal, with programs like Florida actively seeking experienced players to fill key roster gaps. His commitment marks the second offensive line transfer for the Gators this offseason, signaling a clear focus on improving protection for the quarterback and establishing a more dominant run game.
With spring practices underway, all eyes will be on Samuel as he integrates into the Gators’ system. If he performs as expected, he could play a pivotal role in Florida’s success in the upcoming 2025 season.