Former Florida defensive back Duke Dawson is the latest graduate of DBU.
The New England Patriots selected Dawson on Friday night with the No. 56 pick in the 2018 NFL draft.
Dawson's selection continued an impressive run by past members of the Gators secondary, who have claimed the fictitious title of "Defensive Backs University."
Dawson, a fifth-year senior, looked to keep alive the tradition of Gators' defensive backs in the NFL.
Dawson was a dependable performer for three seasons at UF lining up a nickelback, safety or cornerback. He totaled 16 passes defensed, including five interceptions, the past two seasons.
"I can play all three positions," Dawson said at the school's March 28 Pro Day. "I'm physical. I'm fluid. I've got great ball skills. I just want to sharpen up on my eye control and be more consistent with tackling."
Pegged as a possible second-day pick in the draft, Dawson went higher than expected as a run on defensive backs took place during the second round.
The Patriots snagged Dawson after two cornerbacks (North Carolina's M.J. Stewart, to Tampa Bay at No. 53, and LSU's Donte Jackson, to Carolina at No. 55) and a safety (Jessie Bates III, to Cincinnati at No. 54) were selected in succession.
Two picks after Dawson, Colorado cornerback Isaiah Oliver went to Atlanta, where former UF DBs Keanu Neal and Brian Poole are starters.
