Florida Gators sign Tampa transfer amid Alabama exodus.
The Florida Gators were the latest indirect benefit of Nick Saban’s retirement on Monday, when they officially signed blue-chip defensive back Jameer Grimsley.
Grimsley is a 6-foot-3, 185-pound athlete who attended Bloomingdale High and Tampa Catholic. He was the nation’s No. 189 overall prospect in the 2024 class, according to the 247Sports composite, and would have been a nice addition to Billy Napier’s early signing haul announced last month.
That did not happen. Grimsley paid a late visit to the Gators but ultimately decided to play for Saban at Alabama. The Crimson Tide highlighted his speed and athleticism in his bio. He enrolled at Alabama earlier this month and then used the transfer portal following Saban’s retirement. He committed to the Gators on Sunday, and they confirmed his signing on Monday morning.
Grimsley elevates Florida’s class to No. 13 nationally (including transfers) in the 247Sports composite team rankings. Despite the fact that he is a transfer, he is a significant addition to Napier’s make-or-break recruiting class in the ’24 cycle.
He isn’t the only former Alabama player who has moved to Florida; Florida State has also been a popular destination for Crimson Tide alumni. FSU has added five top-tier transfers from Alabama: linebacker Shawn Murphy, running back Roydell Williams, offensive lineman Terrence Ferguson, wide receiver Malik Benson, and defensive back Earl Little.
