The wait is over for Gator Nation. Five-star defensive lineman CeCe Jefferson has faxed his national letter of intent into Jim McElwain and is officially a member of the Florida Gators.
Nearly a week ago Jefferson chose Florida over Ole Miss, Alabama and Auburn in a live televised commitment on ESPNU. While Jefferson publically pledged a commitment to the University of Florida he did not send in his national letter of intent, binding him to the school.
Rumors started to swirl that Jefferson was rethinking his decision and the news that Terrell Williams (who briefly served as Florida’s defensive line coach) was leaving to take the same position with the Miami Dolphins only fueled those rumors.
Jefferson never publically wavered in his commitment, rather stating that he was holding out to see what Florida would do with his position coach. Florida answered that question with the hire of Texas defensive line coach Chris Rumph. Rumph smoothed things over with Jefferson as the two had a prior relationship when Rumph recruited Jefferson while he was at Alabama and against last year when he made the move to Texas.
Jefferson wrote on Twitter at 10:10 this morning, “Today is the day that I officially become a Florida Gator,sorry for the wait #GatorNation! Sending my LOI in shorty.”
Jim McElwain made the news official 90 minutes later, welcoming Jefferson to the “Gator family.”
Jefferson is a talented pass rusher and is expected to be able to come in as a freshman and make an instant impact as a pass rusher.
Want to officially welcome @cecejeferson7 to the Gator Family! #ChompChomp
— Jim McElwain (@CoachMcElwain) February 9, 2015
Welcome. I hope whatever caused the delay and all the associated circumstances are behind us …Mr. Jefferson may your time here at Florida be something, you, your family and the Gator nation all embrace and enjoy. Inspire and support your teammates and make a difference out there! Everyone sing together: “We are the champions…” HA! woo-hoo…Go Gators.