The CFB recruitment process is more convoluted now than the playbooks themselves. The dynamic shift has been rather stark, and the transfer portal is a huge proponent. The power lies with the individual more than their program. Talent moving over to a rival is a perpetual threat now. That’s what has transpired down amidst the treacherous southeast faction. Jacksonville native and boyhood Gators fan Jack “Psycho” Pyburn has traded Florida for LSU. The edge rusher leaves the Sunshine State under a massive cloud.

Soon after Jack Pyburn hit the portal, an alleged list of “demands” surfaced in the media. These demands entailed 3 main facets for Pyburn to remain a Gator- Guaranteed starting role, guarantee to remain in the game on 3rd-downs and a cool $45,000 per month. It was reported that Pyburn chose to spend his final year of eligibility elsewhere after Florida refused to meet said demands. In the backwash of scrutiny across the board for this perceived act of putting himself on a bit of a pedestal, Jack Pyburn has come out to extensively voice his stance.

Pyburn virtually joined LSU insider Matt Moscona on the After Further Review: LSU YouTube channel to clear the air. When asked why he chose to leave Florida, Pyburn’s reply was partly in line with the conspicuous aforementioned reasoning.

“Number 1 [reason] is I just want to play for a team that fits me a little more…I was looking to play for an aggressive four-down defense, and that’s something that Blake Baker and LSU are 100% running. You know, he runs with attack-style defenses trying to get after the quarterback, trying to create negative plays. So it was really about just trying to find a place where I’d be able to showcase my talents to the best extent and be able to earn opportunities in every regard on the field,” he said.

The defensive schemes that HC Billy Napier and his Gators run are more cautious. Pyburn was often in coverage rather than rushing the quarterback, which he deems are his primary “talents”. Napier’s scheme is largely effective, so changing it to cater to Pyburn was perhaps unviable. This diverging of paths is the best scenario for everyone involved.

Pyburn explicitly mentioned how he wanted to be seen as more than “just being labeled as a 1st and 2nd down player.” “Honestly, I had to make a decision for my future that would be beneficial. You know my interest to make it to the National Football League,” he said.

In terms of the demands, they appear to be seeded in truth. Jack Pyburn was already a starter, but the word “guaranteed” naturally rubbed people the wrong way. In terms of the remuneration aspect, well, the numbers reported are not necessarily accurate. The advent of NIL makes them more digestible, though.

Finally, the urge to be involved on 3rd downs is understandable, given Pyburn’s self-proclaimed goal to make the NFL, which will require him to feature more. Despite being in the top 5 in starts for Florida this year, he was only 14th in snaps played. The signs bode well for this to change once he lands in Baton Rouge.

LSU offers Jack Pyburn a clearer path to playing in the big league

Jack Pyburn isn’t the first Florida Gators’ pass rusher to jump ship in search of more opportunity.  In 2023, Princely Umanmielen also left the Gators to join SEC adversary Ole Miss. According to Florida insider Brandon Olsen, Princely wanted to rush the QB more and showcase his skills, but the scheme was a hindrance.

A year on, the same thing has transpired, albeit with a couple more facets at play. Olsen also leveraged his insight on how Pyburn’s exit came about. This isn’t an indictment of Billy Napier, it’s just a case of certain pieces fitting better elsewhere.

At LSU, Jack Pyburn will be afforded that opportunity. He spoke to Moscona about how D-line coach Kevin Peoples and defensive coordinator Blake Baker lay their plans for how Pyburn will fit in the Tigers’ system. Pyburn is reassured that he’ll have opportunities to go after the QB on 3rd downs.

He spoke glowingly about the duo, saying “Honestly, I was also looking for a coach that I felt like developed parts of my game that I know need to be focused on. For instance, my pass rush. I’m an effective pass rusher, but I want to be an elite pass rusher. In being an elite pass rusher, first you have to have an elite coach that can turn you into the product that you want to be”.

Jack Pyburn burnt some bridges in the way he exited Florida. The Gators’ faithful will not absolve him due to the alleged demands. In an ideal world, Pyburn is developing into the player he wants to become in Gainesville. However, CFB is far from idealistic. With one year to boost his NFL draft stock, he’ll hope the wrath of his home-state fans was worth it.