Alex McCalister Reportedly Dismissed by Florida Football Team: Details, Reaction

Florida Gators defensive end Alex McCalister was dismissed from the football team, according to Robbie Andreu of the Gainesville Sun.

Andreu noted McCalister's dismissal is the result of an "unspecified violation of team rules."

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What McCalister's Dismissal Means

Saturday, Dec. 19

McCalister has not played in Florida's last three games after suffering a foot injury Nov. 14 against South Carolina, and head coach Jim McElwain had already announced that the star junior would not be playing in the Jan. 1 Citrus Bowl against Michigan.

The Gators have had a poor finish to the season after a promising 6-0 start, with McCalister's dismissal being the latest setback for the program.

McElwain confirmed Saturday that starting quarterback Will Grier, who was suspended for one year after failing a performance-enhancing-drug test in October, is transferring:

Andreu noted McCalister wasn't a safe bet to return to the Gators next season anyway after the defender submitted paperwork to the NFL for feedback on his draft stock.

Despite his missed time in 2015, McCalister had been one of Florida's most valuable defensive players. He is tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks and ranks fifth with 9.5 tackles for loss. Those numbers came after a breakout 2014 in which he finished with six sacks in 11 games.

Florida's defense has depth, with four players who have at least 11 tackles for loss this year, but losing a star pass-rusher such as McCalister because of external circumstances is an unfortunate end to what had been a fruitful partnership for the past three years.