Florida releases Pop Saunders

By Roger Gilmore
Beacon Sports Editor

posted Dec 28, 2012 - 2:18:04pm

Word from the University of Florida in Gainesville earlier in the week announced that DeLand sophomore De'Ante "Pop" Saunders has been released from the Gators football program.

Saunders was suspended for a violation of team rules and missed the final two games in November, and was ruled out of the upcoming Sugar Bowl game. He was also ruled out for the first two games this season.

In his freshman year, he played in 12 games, including nine as a starter, picking up 26 tackles, and intercepting two passes. As a sophomore, he started seven of the eight games he played, posting 18 tackles, and an interception.

This leaves fellow DeLand High School Bulldog-product Mike Gillislee the lone local gridder suiting up with the Gators to face Louisville in New Orleans Jan. 2.

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