Shortly after quarterback Jeff Driskel was recently drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 29th round, UF coach Will Muschamp recommended that he go ahead and sign a contract with the team.
“Jeff came in my office and said, ‘Coach, this is the deal. They want to sign me. If I ever play baseball, I have to play for the Red Sox. I haven’t picked up a bat in two years and I have no intention of playing baseball, but they’re willing to cut me a check,’ “ Muschamp said. “By NCAA rules, it’s legal.
“I said, ‘Jeff if you were my son, I’d tell you to sign the contract.’ His commitment level to the University of Florida is outstanding, but he had a great opportunity there with a great organization. If he ever does want to pick up a bat or a glove, certainly being a part of the Red Sox organization would be outstanding.”
Driskel reiterated at SEC Media Days on Tuesday that he’s all about the Gators, and all about pursuing an NFL career after his playing days are over at UF.
“I’m all football,” he said. “I’m a football player. At the end of the day, I’m the quarterback at Florida. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
“I want to be a football player when I grow up. I haven’t hit a baseball in two years.”
Driskel said the last time he swung a bat was in Muschamp’s backyard.
“He had us at his house and I did some hitting in his batting cage,” Driskel said.
[…] Even though he’s signed a baseball contract, Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel’s focus is football.”I want to be a football player when I grow up. I haven’t hit a baseball in two […]
Can’t blame Driskel for signing the contract. I would give my son the same advice. Get a nice check and a safety net, in case something were to happen with his football career. I’m happy for the young man!
The one interesting bit I got out this article is that Coach Boom has a batting cage in his backyard. How ’bout some field goal uprights, too? And, a nice full court basketball court? When is Gator Fan Day at Coach Boom’s house? We’ll all be there! Seriously though, I wish Jeff Driskel the very best this year, especially with his ”leadership qualities’, and his downfield passing. Because the Gators will need every bit of his ”all growed-up now” with the schedule they have! CHOMP-CHOMP!