Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel signed with the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night.
After several conflicting reports regarding his contract status on Wednesday, the junior announced he had signed with the team in a statement on Thursday.
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.
Despite signing, Driskel retains his football eligibility. However, Driskel is not allowed to sign any endorsements or receive any money not relating to baseball.
Gator fans can rest easy, though. Driskel assured that he will be their signal-caller in 2013 despite signing with a baseball team.
“After my college football career is over I want to pursue a professional career in the NFL,” Driskel said in a statement, per the Associated Press. “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.”
Driskel was not expected to sign with a pro team. After he was selected, former Gators pitcher Brian Johnson asked Driskel over Twitter if he would be joining Johnson in the Red Sox organization. Driskel responded, “no sir lol.”
Driskel played baseball at Oviedo Hagerty High School and was a highly touted prospect before focusing on football. He originally planned to play both baseball and football at UF.
The junior started 12 games last year after winning a position battle with current N.C. State quarterback Jacoby Brissett. As the starter, he threw for 1,646 yards and rushed for another 413. He notched 12 touchdowns while tossing five interceptions.
Driskel is not the first Florida quarterback to dip his toes into minor league baseball.
Doug Johnson played minor league baseball in the Tampa Bay Devil Rays system in 1996 and 1997 while also playing for UF.
Gators named to watch lists: Driskel and two other Gators were named to preseason awards watch lists on Monday.
Driskel was named to the Maxwell Award watch list. The Maxwell Award is given to college football’s player of the year. Former Florida quarterbacks Danny Wuerffel and Tim Tebow won the award in 1996, 2007 and 2008, respectively.
On the other side of the ball, defensive lineman Dominique Easley and defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy were both named to the Bednarik Award watch list.
Named for the University of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Chuck Bednarik, the award is given to the nation’s best defensive player. No Gator has ever won the award, which has been given out every year since 1995.
Contact Adam Lichtenstein at alichtenstein@alligator.org.
Jeff Driskel throws a pass during Florida’s 38-0 win against Kentucky at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Sept. 22. Driskel signed with the Boston Red Sox last week.
