Jeff Driskel Stays with Gators

Florida Gators quarterback Jeff Driskel is now a two-sport athlete, but remains committed to Gators football.

Driskel was drafted in the 29th round by the Boston Red Sox last month and even signed with the team, but reassured Gator Nation that he will start for Florida this upcoming season, which will be his junior year and second year as the team’s leader.

“Yes, I signed with the Red Sox. Nothing changes,” Driskel said, according to ESPN.com. “I am still a full-time student athlete at UF, fully committed to football. After my college career is over I want to pursue a professional career in the NFL. If I ever decide I want to play baseball, I want to play with the Boston Red Sox, who drafted me in the recent draft.”

Such an arrangement is actually fairly common. Many college athletes have signed professional contracts in the past and have decided when they want to pursue certain career paths. And contrary to popular belief, the NCAA does allow collegiate athletes to sign pro deals while still remaining eligible. The real restriction is against endorsement deals.

Driskel hasn’t played baseball since high school, but his athletic ability still drew the attention of the Bo Sox, who probably could mold him into a solid player through the minor leagues. However, it appears he’s unlikely to go that route unless football doesn’t work out.

And though he may not be the prototype NFL quarterback in the eyes of some, Gators fans will be pleased to know he will return as the Florida starter in 2013. Last season, Driskel led the Gators to an 11-2 record, completing 156 of 245 throws for 1,646 yards and 12 touchdowns along the way. In coach Will Muschamp’s offense, he was also successful as a rusher, carrying the ball for 413 yards and four TDs.

With Driskel back under center, the Gators should be a solid contender in the SEC once again this season. Bovada.lv currently lists Florida at 25/1 to win the national title and though it will certainly be a challenge for the Gators to come out of stacked SEC unscathed, it’s certainly possible, considering they came close a year ago. So, those odds actually look quite favorable from a bettor’s standpoint.