The SEC voted Friday at the SEC Spring Meetings to alter a rule allowing players on teams facing sanctions to transfer withing their own conference without having to sit out a year. This is a huge boost to Gator Nation as it allows Van Jefferson to be much closer to coming to Gainesville. All Jefferson needs is a waiver from the NCAA allowing him play in 2018, which should be a formality.
These changes are a result of the sanctions against Ole Miss resulting in a 2017-18 postseason ban. Before the vote the NCAA previously granted allowing players to transfer with immediate eligibility. Before the vote, players were not eligible to transfer within their conference.
Van Jefferson is the son of former NFL receiver Shawn Jefferson and will provide a huge boost to the Gators offense. Jefferson has 91 career receptions, including 42 receptions last year, which is 20 more than any other Florida receiver. In addition to boosting the offense Jefferson provides a veteran presence to the Gator locker room and a strong weapon for whoever wins the quarterback job this fall.