JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The last the media heard from Leonard Floyd, he was shouting out the window of a car on the night Mark Richt was fired, declaring for the NFL draft in seeming retaliation for Georgia’s decision.

But Floyd admitted on Saturday, after Georgia’s 24-17 win over Penn State in the TaxSlayer Bowl, that it was pretty much a fait accompli anyway.

“I pretty much had my mind set on leaving pretty much the whole season,” Floyd said.

It was actually a surprise when Floyd decided to return this year. But while the outside linebacker didn’t put up huge stats in his final year at Georgia (4.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles-for-loss, 74 tackles), he was again a key part of a defense that was the backbone of the team. And Floyd did it while spending the early part of the season moving between inside and outside linebacker, before settling back at his pass-rushing position.

“I know every snap I went my hardest while I’ve been here,” Floyd said. “I really feel happy. And I’m glad coach Richt gave me the opportunity to play here. And Mr. (Greg) McGarity. So I’m just thankful, and I’m gonna be watching Georgia football from here on out on TV.”

Floyd said he’ll be headed to Pensacola, Fla., on Sunday to begin training for the draft.

“My goal is to improve my stock as much as I can,” he said. “Try to get drafted as high as I can.”