Brissett Asks for His Release From the Gators
November 17, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Jacoby Brissett (12) against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
In a report by Gatorcountry.com, it appears that backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett has asked for his release from his scholarship at the University of Florida and will seek a transfer.
Brissett came to UF out of West Palm Beach in the 2011 recruiting class as a late addition by then offensive coordinator Charlie Weis. As a true freshman he served as John Brantley’s primary backup, but after Brantley and Jeff Driskel were injured against Alabama, he was forced to make his first career start on the road at #1 LSU.
He became the first Florida true freshman to take his first career snap in his first career start and is one of only five who have started at Florida as a true freshman. He followed that up with his second career start the following week against Auburn.
He played in eight games last season finishing 18-39 for 206 yards with two passing touchdowns including a 65 yarder against LSU and two rushing touchdowns.
He was locked in a tight quarterback battle with fellow sophomore Jeff Driskel throughout spring practices and fall camp. He started the first game of this season against Bowling Green playing the first quarter before giving way to Jeff Driskel for the second. Driskel finished the game and was named the starter the following week.
Brissett remained on the bench until he was pressed into action against Louisiana-Lafayette when Jeff Driskel rolled his ankle. He lead them from behind driving the team to a tying fourth quarter touchdown which set the stage for a last second block field goal and return for the winning touchdown. He finished the game 6-8 for 64 yards and one td. He started the next week against Jacksonville State as Driskel recuperated from the ankle injury and led them to victory going 14-22 for 154 yards and no touchdowns. For the season his stats were 23-35 for 249 yards and one passing td.
Brissett’s desire to transfer has been rumored for some time as head coach Will Muschamp has made it clear that Driskel will be the starter next season and Brissett would remain a backup if he returned to Florida. His high school coach Jack Daniels had made statements that he had told Brissett to seek a transfer but he didn’t feel Brissett wanted to leave. Now it appears he will seek a transfer. No word on if the staff would grant the release and where he would seek to transfer if they do. Read the Gatorcountry story here.
It’s been a tough week for the Gators thus far as they lost the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday, then they lost their best safety in Matt Elam and their best defensive lineman in Sharrif Floyd to the NFL draft, as well as their leading receiver in tight end Jordan Reed. Throw in two top recruits who were thought to be flipping to the Gators who have appeared to reverse course and now backup Brissett leaving and Gator fans are reaching for the headache medicine.
Expect a few more transfers in the coming weeks as the staff does end of season exit reviews and players seek greener pastures. Stay tuned to HailFloridaHail for the latest news and updates. Also check us out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HailFloridaHail or follow us on Twitter at @HailFloridaHail.