GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- While Florida quarterback Rex Grossman ponders whether to return for his senior season, Gators defensive tackle Ian Scott has told coach Ron Zook he's leaving for the NFL.

Scott, a two-year starter, had 57 tackles and one sack this year. He missed one game after arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. He made just one tackle in Florida's 38-30 loss to Michigan in the Outback Bowl on Wednesday in Tampa.

The junior finished with 120 career tackles.

"I was surprised, but that's the world we live in,'' Zook said of the decision. "You hate to lose people, but it could have been the first day of practice next year and he blows his knee out or something like that.''

The Gators are losing their top four defensive tackles, and none of the returning players has any appreciable experience. The defensive line could take another hit if junior end Clint Mitchell decides to go pro.

Mitchell, who missed all but one game a year ago because of various suspensions, came back this season to lead the Gators' linemen 78 tackles. He was due to talk with Zook about his future.

Meanwhile, Zook talked to Grossman Friday but said he didn't get a feel for his decision. "If Rex knew what he wanted to do, I think he would have said something this morning,'' Zook said. "I haven't pushed him for an answer.''