Jadarrius Perkins brings immediate depth and talent to the secondary

The SEC has passed a rule that allows immediate eligibility for intraconference transfers. This is big news for everyone involved, but the Florida Gators will get to enjoy this new rule right away. Effective immediately, Missouri and JUCO transfer cornerback Jadarrius Perkins is now eligible to compete for the Gators in 2021.

The SEC said the following (via CBS’ Barrett Sallee):

"“This is an important measure to further support student-athletes throughout the Southeastern Conference,” said SEC commissioner Greg Sankey in a statement. “While maintaining the expectation that coaches and others avoid improper recruiting, this change will ensure that student-athletes who enroll at an SEC member institution will enjoy the flexibility afforded to other student-athletes across the nation.”"

It was a long time coming for student-athletes to be immediately eligible after transfers, as coaches can change schools and do not need to sit out a year. Luckily for the Gators, Perkins will be one of the transfers that get to enjoy not sitting out a year.

Most notably, Brenton Cox Jr., who will be a monster for the Gators this season, had to sit out a year after transferring from Georgia. Gators fans will have to see tight end Arik Gilbert suiting up for Georgia this year. The former LSU transfer, who had a cup of coffee with the Gators without ever actually enrolling, will now be able to play right away for Georgia this season too.

Perkins was enrolled at Missouri and competed in spring ball there this season before entering the transfer portal. Perkins was the No. 5 JUCO recruit in the country (via 247 Sports) before signing with Missouri.

What will Jadarrius Perkins add to the Gators?

Now that he joins the Gators and can play right away, he adds an interesting dynamic to an already improving secondary.

With the new secondary coaches (Wesley “Crime Dawg” McGriff and Jules Montinar) leading the way, Florida has future top 10 2022 NFL Draft pick, Kaiir Elam, at cornerback and senior Trey Dean III at safety to lead their secondary. It remains to be seen if Perkins will become a starter in the secondary, but what he does add is great depth at a bare minimum.

Perkins will also compete and help make everyone around him better. It was no secret that Florida’s secondary needed to be better last season, and they are indeed trending upward this offseason.

The addition of Perkins only adds positives to the Florida defense, and now that he can immediately play, he can make an immediate impact for the Gators.