Justin

Shorter

Bryant, the team’s No. 3 TE, and No. 4 TE Justin Shorter (illness) were both unable to practice on Wednesday but, fortunately, No. 2 TE Michael Mayer (personal) returned to play in Week 11 after an extended absence. Mayer’s presence helps negate concern over depth.

Shorter entered the league as a wide receiver in the 2023 NFL draft but the Raiders notably list him as a tight end in the practice squad transaction. At 6-foot-4, 223 pounds, he is unlikely to contribute much as a blocker. The Raiders’ crowded tight end room also makes it unlikely Shorter contributes much as a receiver either.

Shorter managed just two catches for 15 yards in two preseason games and didn’t make much of an impact in training camp. The 2023 fifth round pick will look to catch on with another team’s practice squad in the coming weeks.

Shorter caught 5-of-6 yards for 47 yards and a score in Saturday’s preseason game against the Steelers. “Shorter has improved dramatically from the start of camp and would be at legitimate risk of getting claimed on waivers,” Buscaglia believes. It is worth taking note of in a receiver corps low on intriguing talent behind Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. This coaching staff has never been shy about giving rookie wideouts reps. Perhaps Shorter could earn some 2023 targets.

Shorter transferred to Florida in 2020 after spending two seasons at Penn State. With ideal height and a 4.55 40-time, Shorter has the size and physique to stretch the field and win in contested situations. He never fully broke out at Florida, topping out at 577 receiving yards in his final season, but averaged an impressive 19.9 YPR in his only season under head coach Billy Napier. He could develop into a physical presence in the red zone but will need to polish his overall game if he hopes to be a consistent contributor on offense.

Shorter (6'5"/228) left the Gasparilla Bowl with a scary looking injury and had to be carted off the field. He was recently released from the hospital and will make a full recovery according to a statement released by his family. It’s great news for Shorter and the Gators. Shorter also recently announced he will return for the 2022 season, which they need with Jacob Copeland transferring out.

Shorter (6'5/228) had the option to declare for the draft but decided to increase his stock with an extra year in Gainesville. This was his best season as he nearly doubled his catches and receiving yards from 2020. With his size, he can certainly fight off a DB like it’s a fly. Florida had inconsistencies at quarterback this year with switching between Emory Jones and Anthony Richardson, but they’ve brought in Ohio State transfer Jack Miller to spice up the competition. Hopefully, he can be the answer to get, who at 6’5” is certainly not Shorter the ball and help him be an early 2023 pick.

With the Gators trailing late in the game, Shorter (6'5/228) took off down the right side of the field, leaped for a deep pass from quarterback Emory Jones, and took a helmet to helmet hit from a UCF defensive back as both were competing for the pass. Shorter went down immediately as the game was stopped for several minutes while he was tended to and eventually carted off the field. Heading into the Gasparilla Bowl, Shorter had posted a receiving line of 38 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns. His status will be one to monitor following the game.

Shorter (6'5/227) did everything he could to keep the Gators in the game. With UF down 21-6 heading into halftime, he leveraged his massive frame to out-muscle the LSU secondary and reel in a 42-yard hail-mary in the back left corner of the end zone. It was a much needed career game for the former five-star Penn State transfer, with Florida desperately trying to keep pace with an LSU offense that ran roughshod over a beleaguered UF defensive front. Shorter will try to keep the positive momentum rolling next Saturday when Florida takes on Ole Miss in what should be a true SEC shootout.

Shorter (6'5/227) was the number one wide receiver and eighth ranked player in the nation from the 2018 prep class when he signed with Penn State out of high school. He transferred to Florida before the 2020 season, posting the third highest yards per route run on the team (behind Kyle Pitts and Kadarius Toney, two first round picks) while catching 25-of-39 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns. Though he’s trending in the right direction and projects as a starting outside wide receiver this year, the former five-star recruit has been underwhelming over his first three seasons. Shorter could have a breakout 2021 if he can finally harness his considerable talent.