Florida safety Rashad Torrence II had an extremely productive campaign in 2022. Torrence recorded 87 tackles, three interceptions, and 3.5 tackles for loss. Torrence enters the 2023 NFL Draft following a career-best season.

Torrence recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his experience at Florida, the skill set necessary to play the safety position at a high level, which teams have shown interest in his services pre-draft, and so much more.

JM: You were Florida’s defensive workhorse in 2022. You recorded a team-high 87 tackles, three interceptions, and 3.5 tackles for loss. What clicked for you this past season?

Rashad Torrence II: I really feel like I’ve always elevated my preparation level in-between seasons. I feel like the way I approach the game itself leads to me having on-field success. I always put my teammates first. I placed my trust in them and they placed their trust in me. They leaned on me to make plays. I increased my production to a desired level.

JM: You sure did. You’re so versatile. You’ve worn a lot of hats at Florida, but we thought you found a ton of success as a deep-lying safety in 2022. What do you enjoy about playing that role?

Rashad Torrence II: I loved having the ability to see everything from a bird’s eye view. I was able to come downhill and make a bunch of tackles in the box. I accomplished a lot from that top-safety position. It definitely allowed me to showcase my abilities on the grandest stage. I feel like I was able to help the team.

JM: Your play recognition really shined when you lined up back there. You determine if it’s pass or run and track the football, which led to three interceptions this past season. You made a ton of plays. How did you develop that aspect of your game?

Rashad Torrence II: I have to give some credit to my guy Kaiir Elam at Florida. He was a cornerback and excellent teammate of mine. He helped me with watching film and understanding what to look for. We broke down a lot of tape together. I continued applying myself once Elam left the program for the NFL. I implemented some of the things from his game into my game. I feel like that helped me out a ton.

JM: That’s first-round pick Kaiir Elam. You love to tackle. I can’t say that about every safety I watch, but I can definitely say that about you. You had nearly 100 tackles in 2022. What do you enjoy about tackling and defending the run specifically?

Rashad Torrence II: I’ve always embraced the physical contact that comes with tackling. I love imposing my will on my opponents. I take out all of the aggression that we’re not allowed to take out at practice (laughs). Of course, we have to prioritize our health at practice. I just love football. I’ve always loved that physical contact. I’m able to do that in the run game without consequences or repercussions. I love and enjoy tackling.

JM: And because I think you read the game at such a high level, do you prefer playing zone coverage over man coverage?

Rashad Torrence II: Zone coverage allows you to do some different things from man coverage. I don’t really have a personal preference between the two though. Zone coverage definitely allows you to anticipate with your eyes. It allows you to utilize your eyes more than man coverage does.

JM: Say it’s 3rd-and-long and an obvious passing down. Would you prefer to be manned up, or playing zone with a chance to make a play on the ball near the sticks?

Rashad Torrence II: I would choose zone coverage in a 3rd-and-long scenario. I’d let everything happen in front of me. I can see all of the routes progress in front of me while I’m diagnosing those route combinations. That’s really my purpose in those 3rd-and-long situations. It allows me to be more reactive to the route combinations as they progress. A lot of teams run pick routes in that situation. I always feel like zone coverage matches up best with 3rd-and-long.

JM: Zone coverage is always the right answer in that scenario. Because you’re such a student of the game, is there an NFL safety you’d love to sit down with and talk shop with?

Rashad Torrence II: That’s a tough question. There are so many great safeties in the league. I’d probably go with Jamal Adams. His versatility always shines through. I respect the way he plays the game. He has the capability to impact every single play. He makes plays as they develop. He reads the game at such a high level. He does that so efficiently. I’d love to pick his brain and watch him break down plays.

JM: That’s a terrific choice. Have you completed any Top 30 visits, private workouts, or Zoom meetings lately?

Rashad Torrence II: I’ve had recent Zoom meetings with the Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers. I had the local day with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I also have a local day with the Atlanta Falcons this Friday (4/14).

JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We’ve appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Rashad Torrence II going to make at the next level?

Rashad Torrence II: I’m going to make a great impact at the next level. I’m going to use my football IQ to help the team however I can. I want to hit the ground running and help us win football games. I’m one of those guys that comes in and embraces his role. I’m going to do exactly what’s asked of me. I can’t wait to make a positive impact on my NFL team.