Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel reportedly signed with the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night.
The junior’s father told Dieter Kurtenbach of the Sun-Sentinel that his son signed a contract with the Red Sox, despite reports that said he had not signed.
The Red Sox drafted Driskel in the 29th round of June’s MLB First-Year Player Draft. It was not the first time Boston selected a college football player – the team drafted University of Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson in 2012.
Driskel was not expected to sign with a pro team. After he was selected, former Gators pitcher Brian Johnson asked him on Twitter if Driskel would be joining Johnson in the Red Sox organization. Driskel responded, “no sir lol.”
Despite signing, Driskel retains his football eligibility and will continue playing for Florida’s football program. However, Driskel is not allowed to sign any endorsements in order to keep his football eligibility.
Driskel played baseball at Oviedo Hagerty High School and was a highly touted prospect before focusing on football.
Driskel is not the first Florida quarterback to dip his toes into minor league baseball.
Doug Johnson played minor league baseball for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1996 and 1997 while also playing for UF.
Contact Adam Lichtenstein at alichtenstein@alligator.org.
Quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) carries the ball during Florida’s 27-20 victory against Louisiana on Nov. 10 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
