Haden Given Release from UF

After only eight practices with the Gators this fall, safety Jordan Haden decided to leave the program. He enrolled early and participated in spring practice, but the freshman didn’t realize until fall camp started that it wasn’t the right fit.

As Fightin’ Gators writer Jason Higdon originally reported Sunday afternoon, Haden quit the team over the weekend. He was given his release and left the program on Monday.

Jordan Haden came to Florida as a four-star safety, ranked as the No. 21 safety in the country from Friendly High School in Fort Washington, Md. He followed his brother, Joe, who was a three-year starter for the Gators at cornerback before being selected as the No. 7 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Haden enrolled for the spring semester to participate in spring practices. He is listed as a strong safety and would have started the season third on the depth chart at the position.

Ahmad Black is the starter as the strong safety. Matt Elam will be second on the depth chart but will also see plenty of playing time as the nickel back. Elam, also a freshman, is in line to take over for Black as the starting strong safety when Black graduates after this season.

---

Follow Cody Jones on