The SEC has cleared the path for Ole Miss transfer Van Jefferson to gain instant eligibility at Florida, voting at the league spring meetings Friday in Destin that transfers within the league do not have to sit out a year if their former school is facing a postseason ban.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said the rule had overwhelming support among the league presidents, athletic directors and coaches.
The proposal was sponsored by Florida and Texas A&M.
Jefferson, a proven playmaking wide receiver in the SEC, still has to seek a waiver from the NCAA to become eligible for the 2018 season, but that now appears to be a given after six other former Ole Miss players were cleared to play this season after transferring, including Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson.
Jefferson transferred to UF from Ole Miss, which is under NCAA probation and banned from postseason play this season.
In his two seasons with the Rebels, he combined to catch 91 passes for 999 yards and four touchdowns.
Another UF wide receiver transfer, Trevon Grimes (Ohio State), also is seeking a waiver from the NCAA seeking immediate eligibility based on the fact he transferred to UF to be closer to a family member dealing with a significant health issue.
Grimes and Jefferson were both standouts for the Gators in the spring.
Grimes, a five-star recruit coming out of Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, played in two games as a true freshman at Ohio State last fall, catching two passes for 20 yards.
On Friday, the SEC also passed a rule making graduate transfers within the conference eligible immediately instead of having to sit out a year under the old graduate transfer rule.
Hallelujah! Best wishes for Grimes. And Jefferson, “WELCOME TO THE GATOR NATION”, officially!
Much needed at W.R. Best of everything for you in the ”Orange & Blue”! Go Gators!
still gotta have an O line that can control the line of scrimmage and a QB that can get him the ball, two things that have been missing in Gainesville for many years
Bear Bryant (remember him?) used to say that the team that blocks the best and tackles the best will always win. You are correct Kevin-we have to have an o line that can dominate the line.
Amen to that brother Kevin.
This is a huge step in a winning direction for this football team. If Tre Grimes gets clearance the quarterback who plays will find more help downfield. A confetenc vote can’t improve our OL or our QBs but you’ve got to be happy about and for Van Jefferson today.
Big step forward for the Florida offense and Van Jefferson today. Only wish a League vote could transform our O-line and QBs, but this decision potentially provides our team with the best wide receiver seen in our uniform in many years. Good work by Dan Mullen in bringing this talented receiver to UF and by Florida and Texas A&M to change a misguided policy with a fair one.
Great news.!
Sweet!
That’s the word, G.
Word up.
I’ll still breath easier when they get approval from the MCAA.
O ye of little faith.
But I don’t blame you.
Don’t mean s— if you don’t have a quarterback. All the qbs are trash.
What?
Judge them Key after they finish with the new Coaching Regime. After all, QBs are accomplished by excellent receivers and an outstanding offensive line! GO 2018 GATORS!!!