Things simply did not go as planned for quarterback Jeff Driskel during his time with the Florida Gators football program and now the senior has been hopes of wrapping up his collegiate career elsewhere.
New head coach Jim McElwain confirmed the news Saturday night following the team’s Birmingham Bowl appearance, but did not rule out the chance of a return. Driskel was granted release from his scholarship and intends to pursue playing opportunities as a transfer.
According to 247Sports’ JC Shurburtt, however, early signs indicate that Driskel will transfer to Louisiana Tech to play fo head coach Skip Holtz. Coach Holtz has a strong history of turning around transfers, and if he’s able to restore Driskel’s confidence, the team could be a force to be reckoned with in 2015.
The former five-star recruit’s struggles were well documented at Florida and now he will have the opportunity to start anew at a very strong program. Over the course of his Gator career, Driskel threw for 3,411 yards 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions and will have the tall order of replacing senior Cody Sokol, who will graduate this May. The quarterback position remains the only question mark for the Bulldogs, but Driskel may be the solution to all of Holtz’s problems.
Driskel, a junior, officially graduated over the summer and was free to pursue the remainder of his eligibility at another institution. Entering the 2014 season, Driskel was expected to lead Florida to the top of the SEC, but inconsistent play allowed true freshman Treon Harris to take over the starting job around the mid way point of the season. With Harris returning, the decision to transfer hardly came as a surprise to college football fans. Still, Driskel’s choice means that his performance in the Birmingham Bowl was his last in a Gators uniform.
Florida helped cap off an undefeated bowl season for the SEC East, defeating the East Carolina Pirates, 28-20.
*Section Photo credit to Sam Greenwood, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Kim Klement, USA Today Sports
