Florida hires Virginia Tech's Gray as defensive backs coach

Posted February 04, 2016 6:00 am

The Associated Press

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Florida has hired Virginia Tech assistant Torrian Gray as its defensive backs coach.

Coach Jim McElwain announced the move Thursday, one day after national signing day and nearly three weeks after he fired Kirk Callahan.

The Gators brought in Gray, a Lakeland native, in hopes of improving in-state recruiting. The Gators landed just two of the top 20 recruits from the Sunshine State, according to 247Sports' rankings.

Gray spent the past 17 years coaching defensive backs, including two seasons with the NFL's Chicago Bears. He has coached five All-Americans and 16 all-conference selections. The Hokies ranked in the top 15 nationally in opponent passer rating eight times during Gray's 10 seasons leading the secondary.

He inherits a talented defensive backfield at Florida, one that includes cornerbacks Jalen Tabor and Quincy Wilson and safety Marcus Maye.

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AP college football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org

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