Suspended Florida QB Will Grier will transfer
Will Grier is leaving the Florida program.
After multiple reports surfaced with the news of the redshirt freshman quarterback’s departure, the Gators confirmed the news. In a release, Florida said Grier informed the program of his decision to transfer “late this week.”
“Will came to me about exploring his options to transfer,” head coach Jim McElwain said. “We will support him and help him in anyway we can. This has been very difficult on him and obviously he is looking for a fresh start. We will always be there for him as will all Gators.”
Grier emerged as Florida’s starting quarterback early this season until he was suspended by the NCAA in October for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Grier appealed the decision, but his appeal was denied in November and his 12-month suspension was upheld.
Because of the suspension, Grier would not have been able to return for the Gators until the seventh game of the 2016 season. Now he won’t return to the Gators at all.
When Grier’s suspension was announced, he told reporters in a press conference that he took an “over-the-counter supplement.”
“I did not check with the medical staff before taking it,” Grier said. “I really hope that people can learn from this, learn from my mistake. I’m really, really sorry to everyone.”
Grier split time with Treon Harris when the season began, but saw most of the playing time in the games leading up to his suspension. Overall, Grier threw for 1,204 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 65.8 percent of his passes.
With Grier, the Gators started the season 6-0. With Harris, the Florida clinched the SEC East, but the offense struggled mightily down the stretch.
Florida lost in the SEC title game to Alabama to finish 10-3 and will face Michigan in the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1.
For more Florida news, visit InsideTheGators.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
