Jason Getz, USA TODAY SPORTS
The Florida Gators announced before Saturday’s Birmingham Bowl that quarterback Jeff Driskel would transfer after the season.
Driskel, a junior, has completed the requirements for his degree and would be eligible to play immediately for another team next season.
This is the best scenario for both Florida and Driskel. New Gators’ head coach Jim McElwain will go with Treon Harris at quarterback next season, so Driskel’s playing time would have been limited. Since he wouldn’t play at Florida, Driskel wanted to take a chance at playing somewhere else.
Driskel was largely a disappointment during his time in Gainesville. Former head coach Will Muschamp had benched Driskel this season in favor of Harris, hoping to jump start the offense. Driskel was dreadful this season, connecting on just 53.8 percent of his passes for 1,140 yards with nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions. For his career, he had 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.
He did play briefly in Saturday’s 28-20 win over the East Carolina Pirates. Driskel connected on just eight-of-17 through the air for a whopping 48 yards. He had no touchdowns or interceptions in the game.
A change of scenery might do Driskel a lot of good. He could get a fresh start with a new team and a new coaching staff, and he could bring his significant experience to a program that needs a starting quarterback for next season. Driskel should have several options, although that is not clear at this point.
What is clear is that Driskel’s time in Gainesville is done. What’s next for him remains to be seen, but leaving Florida is the right choice for both sides.
Tim Letcher is a contributing writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TimLetcher , on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
