Florida QB Emory Jones to enter transfer portal but play for Gators in Gasparilla Bowl

Football

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Image Credit: @GatorsFB on Twitter

Florida Gators redshirt junior quarterback Emory Jones, after waiting three years to earn the starting job, has decided to enter the transfer portal after an up-and-down season leading the program, Jones told Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel on Wednesday. He has decided to remain with the Gators through the 2021 Gasparilla Bowl, which they will play on Dec. 23 in Tampa, Florida.

In his first year as the Gators’ starter, Jones completed 67.7% of his passes for 2,563 yards with 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also ran for 697 yards with four more scores on the ground. Jones was maddeningly inconsistent from week to week, and while he did flash at times, he did not live up to expectations most had when he was decided as the heir apparent to Kyle Trask.

Hurting the perception of Jones’ play was the breakout campaign of redshirt freshman Anthony Richardson, who took over as starter late in the season but injured his knee in the finale against Florida State. With Richardson expected to start for Florida next season due to his better play and higher upside, Jones deciding to find a new destination makes sense.

Richardson is expected to miss the Gasparilla Bowl, so Jones staying to play in the game is a nice parting gesture to help his teammates before departing for another opportunity.

Jones, the No. 85 overall player in the Class of 2018, should have a number of suitors interested in his services.