Receiver Trevon Grimes, who spent part of last season at Ohio State, played at St. Thomas Aquinas in high school. (Photo: Courtesy of Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel)
Gators Boost Talent Level at Receiver
Saturday, December 23, 2017 | Football, Scott Carter
Transfers Van Jefferson and Trevon Grimes join a position group that was without its top playmaker in 2017.
Mullen was Florida's offensive coordinator the three seasons (2006-08) Harvin served as the team's most dynamic receiver, helping the Gators win a pair of national titles. Since Harvin's departure, Florida's receiving corps has been known more for its lack of firepower than probably anything else.
Two-year starter Antonio Callaway is the closest threat Florida has had in the mold of Harvin, but the final season of his turbulent UF career was spent sidelined due to a suspension. Callaway recently signed with an agent for a shot at the NFL.
Gators junior Tyrie Cleveland is the team's top returning receiver in 2018, but to close out the early signing period this week, the Gators added a pair of transfer receivers that could change the group's outlook significantly in 2018 and beyond.
Former Ole Miss receiver Van Jefferson was the last of the 14 newcomers to sign on Wednesday, and on Friday, former Ohio State receiver Trevon Grimes officially transferred to Florida after a brief stay in Columbus.
Welcome to #GatorNation, @Trevongrimes8!
— Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 22, 2017
Updated #NSD18 Class Information: https://t.co/5LVP2iF5K5#AllBite18 #GoGators pic.twitter.com/IAi9xmKWXx
Grimes caught three passes for 20 yards as a freshman before leaving Ohio State midseason to return home to Fort Lauderdale for an undisclosed family medical emergency. Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer visited Grimes after he left the team and expected the 6-foot-4, 202-pound Grimes to return to school.
However, Grimes posted a message on social media Friday announcing his transfer to Florida. Mullen welcomed him to the Gators with his own social media post once Grimes' transfer was validated by Florida's compliance office.
"First and foremost, I want to express how grateful I am for The Ohio State University and BuckeyeNation for giving me the opportunity many kids dream of," Grimes wrote. "Throughout my time on campus, I have built bonds with amazing people that will last a lifetime and have learned from great role models. I will forever cherish the great moments I've had with all my brothers and coaches at Ohio State and will always wish them nothing but the best.
"As far as all of you wondering why, I'm going to leave it at family health issues and a need to be closer to home. With that being said, I want to thank the University of Florida for understanding my situation and giving me the opportunity to become apart of the Gator Family. It's a true blessing."
In high school, Grimes starred at St. Thomas Aquinas, where he played with current Gators redshirt freshman quarterback Jake Allen. Grimes was an Under Armour All-America selection in high school and as a junior, he was first-team All-Broward County after leading the Raiders with seven receiving touchdowns on 27 catches for 496 yards.
Grimes, a state champion in the 300-meter hurdles as a freshman and sophomore, was part of an Ohio State recruiting class ranked No. 2 overall behind Alabama in 2017.
Whether Jefferson, who had 91 catches for 999 yards in two seasons at Ole Miss, or Grimes will be eligible this season remains uncertain. A junior, Jefferson is among a group of players to transfer from Ole Miss due to NCAA sanctions leveled against the program for violations committed under former head coach Hugh Freeze. The NCAA is permitting Ole Miss's seniors to transfer and play immediately elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Grimes is hopeful the NCAA will grant him a hardship waiver to play immediately for the Gators after his brief stay at Ohio State. He told the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel on Friday that he will apply for a hardship waiver.
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