Kicker Austin Hardin transfers from Florida, star recruit arrives

Embattled Florida kicker Austin Hardin has decided to transfer.

Hardin was the Gators’ starting kicker last season, but his powerful leg kicked the accuracy needed to be successful at Florida. Hardin made just 5 of 14 attempts this past year and connected on 16 of 36 field-goal attempts during his three seasons with the program. He had four kicks blocked.

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Hardin’s move isn’t exactly unexpected, especially with the signing of Eddy Pineiro, a former high school kicker who became an Internet sensation after kicking a 77-yarder and posting it on his Twitter account.

Pineiro spent the past two years at ASA, a junior college in Miami Beach, but will enter Florida as a freshman with four years of eligibility remaining.

Pineiro has already made an impression on his new team by hitting a 58-yard field goal during the opening spring practice last Wednesday.

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"This is the first time I haven’t seen it on social media so it was pretty interesting," coach Jim McElwain said following the practice. "But the ball comes up real quick and goes very far."

Hardin has not announced his future plans.

For more Florida news, visit InsideTheGators.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday

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