Florida signee ATH D’Anfernee McGriff enrolls in prep school, plans to join Gators in spring

Despite decommitting from Auburn and signing with the Florida Gators on National Signing Day, four-star 2015 athlete D’Anfernee McGriff (Tallahassee, FL) knew it would be difficult to get academically cleared to enroll in school and that he may have to attend another institution before joining the top-tier collegiate program.

McGriff seemingly gave it his best shot, but his grades and test scores fell short of the threshold to enroll in Florida. As such, he was faced with an option – go to a junior college for two years and eventually reopen his recruitment or attend a preparatory school for a semester and attempt to join the Gators in the spring.

Tuesday night, McGriff announced his decision on Twitter, and it was good news for UF.

“I am currently at Jireh prep. A 4 month program working my ass off to get back to my dream,my home,my love. THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA,” he began. “Good Luck to my boys this season.. I would also like to thank everybody for standing by me through this process. MUCH LOVE.”

McGriff chose Jireh Preparatory Academy, which is located in Matthews, North Carolina, over an offer to attend East Arizona Community College. As a prep school attendee, McGriff will have the opportunity to qualify for Florida’s spring semester; had he gone to EACC, McGriff would have needed to attend for two seasons and likely would have reopened his recruitment.

Auburn wanted McGriff in its 2015 class and the feeling was mutual with the athlete; however, his academic standing and the Tigers’ large signing class made a separation a good decision for both parties. The Gators, which had space available in their class, were able to sign McGriff without wasting a spot for another player.

It appears as if that is now a chance that was worth taking for Florida, as McGriff is at least planning to honor his verbal pledge to the program this spring.

A talented and versatile prospect who the Gators are likely to try out on offense first, McGriff (6-foot-1, 230 pounds) was rated as the No. 273 overall player in the nation and 21st best running back, according to the 247Sports Composite.