The Pouncey twins are to be separated once the 2010 football season rolls around. Maurkice Pouncey, the former Gator center, plans to depart Gainesville for Orlando to train for the NFL. His twin, Mike Pouncey, is looking forward to another successful season as a Gator.

Even though the twins had only been separated for a week a few years back, they both decided that they would go their separate ways. Maurkice Pouncey made the decision to leave the University of Florida early despite his senior season ahead of him. He thought that the time was right and that the NFL was calling him. On the other hand, Mike Pouncey believes that returning for his senior season as a Gator would be the best decision for himself and his family. Mike Pouncey told the St. Petersburg Times, “I made the decision, and I believe it’s the right one.”

Mike Pouncey will be filling his brother’s shoes as center despite playing as the guard last year. “I’m comfortable anywhere on the offensive line, but I’m going to move to center, and that will help me out a lot.” Many coaches, including intern head coach and offensive coordinator Steve Addazio, told Pouncey that moving to center will improve his draft stock, intern make him a potential first-round pick in the NFL. Even though Pouncey thinks he is a great player, the coaching staff feels like there are some things that need to be improved. Addazio told the St. Petersburg Times, “I believe he will be the top returning offensive lineman in America.”

Even though the Pouncey twins would enjoy entering the NFL draft together, many things impacted Mike Pouncey’s choice to stay a Gator. His family wanted Mike to leave early in hopes of a first or second-round draft pick, but Mike made the choice solely.

All in all, the twins will be separated despite playing together for years in high school and throughout college. Mike Pouncey said, “They gave me the honor of a scholarship and this is my way of paying them back.” The Gator Nation and all of college football can look forward to seeing Mike Pouncey as the Gator center come fall.

(Information provided by the St. Petersburg Times)

By: Justin Rectenwald