Florida Signs Ex Alabama Signee

Florida’s 2024 recruiting class recently received a significant boost in the secondary.

The retirement of famed Alabama head coach Nick Saban sent shockwaves through the collegiate football world. Despite the speedy appointment of Washington’s Kalen DaBoer as Saban’s replacement, the Crimson Tide have seen a clear outflow of high-level talent through the transfer portal in the last week.

Freshman cornerback Jameer Grimsley joined the list of outstanding players who have left the program, as the 2024 prospect entered the portal on Thursday.

Grimsley’s return to the open market, just under a month after signing with the Tide on December 20, was brief, as he immediately declared his commitment to the Florida Gators on Sunday.

Grimsely positioned himself as a priority target for the Gators throughout the 2024 cycle, boasting an impressive 6-foot-3, 185-pound stature, ball skills honed as a wide receiver, movement fluidity, and the 10.84 100-meter dash speed required to occupy a boundary cornerback position at the next level.

So, as Florida looked to add secondary talent in 2024, Grimsley stood out. Grimsley committed to Alabama to fill a wideout slot shortly after Florida’s increased attention began, but he continued to flirt with the Gators until the end of the cycle. His interest in UF was real, as evidenced by his official visit to Gainesville on December 8, but he finally decided to remain with the Crimson Tide.

He memorably cited coaching staff continuity as the deciding factor. Then Saban unexpectedly retired. Grimsley reevaluated his alternatives. It takes him to the University of Florida, where the four-star athlete will play defense.

The Tampa (Fla.) Catholic standout is new position coach Will Harris’ first prep secondary addition. He joins Teddy Foster, Josiah Davis, and Gregory Smith III as true freshmen on the Gators’ back end.

Florida has also welcomed transfer portal prospects Trikweze Bridges (Oregon) and DJ Douglas (Tulane) to its roster this summer. Grimsley is rated as the nation’s No. 17 cornerback and No. 189 overall prospect by 247Sports’ composite rankings. He’s the second class of 2024 recruit to sign elsewhere before ultimately joining Florida.

D’antre Robinson, a defensive lineman who signed with Texas in December, committed to the Gators on Friday after being freed from his letter of intent earlier this week.