GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida's quarterback situation for the 2020 season has become much clearer after a Sunday afternoon announcement from one of the three scholarship players that suited up for the 2019 campaign.

Redshirt sophomore Feleipe Franks announced via his Instagram account that he plans to explore his options in the NFL Draft or find a different school to play at for his final season of eligibility.

"I plan on exploring my options of entering the NFL Draft or playing my final year elsewhere," Franks wrote on Instagram. "Thank you everybody for believing in me, especially all my teammates I've played with here."

Franks had undergone a remarkable career turnaround following a rough redshirt freshman season in 2017 that saw him become the focus of some fairly negative social media backlash due to poor performance. However, the arrival of coach Dan Mullen seemed to spark a change in both demeanor and confidence for Franks, allowing him to put together a quite solid 2018 season as a redshirt sophomore.

He began the 2019 season as the unquestioned starter for the Gators and continued that overall upward trajectory before a season-ending ankle injury against Kentucky sidelined him. In two years under Mullen, Franks went 242-for-393 passing (61.5%) for 3,155 yards with 29 touchdowns and nine interceptions, along with 131 carries for 428 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.

However, following his injury, backup quarterback Kyle Trask took over and led a successful come-from-behind win over Kentucky. His success didn't end there, with Trask leading Florida to a 10-2 finish to the 2019 season, with the only losses to No. 1 LSU and No. 4 Georgia.

Trask has gone 213-for-315 passing (67.6%) for 2,636 yards and 24 touchdowns with six interceptions this season, adding three more scores on the ground.

Last week, Trask announced that despite Mullen having conversations with draft-eligible non-seniors about the NFL Draft process during the team's bye week, he planned to return to Florida.

"I mean, I still have a whole 'nother year here, so I don't plan on leaving," Trask said. "But it's great seeing how just being informed, I'm glad coach Mullen does that, just to let us all know how it works."

With Franks' departure, Trask and redshirt freshman Emory Jones will likely battle it out for the starting job in 2020, with incoming freshman Anthony Richardson rounding out the quarterback room. Jones has seen an uptick in snaps in recent weeks, likely a calculated decision by Mullen to ensure that Jones returns and sees his opportunity to play.

Franks was exceptionally graceful in his departing message, thanking dozens for his time at Florida.

"It has been my dream to play at the University of Florida," Franks wrote. "To play for a top program and contribute to winning games. I have been so fortunate to meet as many amazing people as I have while being here. Coaches, players, and fans as well. My heart will always be a part of the Gator family.

"Coach Mullen and coach (Brian) Johnson have meant so much to me, and I want to thank both of them for putting their trust in me. I also want to thank Mr. Jeremy Foley and Mr. Scott Stricklin as well, as everybody inside the football facility has always had my back no matter what.

"My heart is heavy..." he wrote before announcing his decision to leave Florida.