Emory Jones bids farewell to Gator Nation
Emory Jones made it official on Saturday, announcing that he would be entering the transfer portal. Jones released a graphic on his Twitter page.
Jones thanked his teammates, Dan Mullen, Billy Napier, and Gator fans. He also announced that he will remain at UF as a student until he graduates this spring.
Friday, Pete Thamel reported that Jones had informed his coaches of his intentions. Back in December, Jones told Thamel a similar story.
Prior to the Gators’ bowl game, Thamel reported that Jones would enter the transfer portal after the Gasparilla Bowl. Jones reversed course and decided to stay at Florida this spring.
Jones told reporters on Tuesday that Billy Napier and Ryan O’Hara had actually recruited him to stay at Florida after he told them he wanted to leave. That they sold him on staying.
“Coach Napier and Coach O’Hara sat me down, a lot of the offensive guys sat me down and basically said they went through my film and said they really were excited about things that I have done,” he said, “They think they can make me a way better player than I have shown. Basically, I just wanted to give them a chance.”
He was then asked if he was committed to staying at UF in the fall.
“I mean, I’m here. I’m committed,” Jones said on Tuesday. “I’ve been working my butt off since the offseason. Trying to get closer to a lot of guys around here and for this team.”
Napier makes a statement
“First off, I want to thank Emory and his family for everything they’ve done for the Gators. I have had the honor to get to know his mother, Trina, and I have nothing but respect for her, Emory, and the rest of his family.
Emory has conducted himself with nothing but class and selflessness. It is not surprising that he has earned the respect of his teammates, coaches, and this entire organization.
I am proud of him for everything he’s accomplished and for his commitment to complete his degree this spring. He is a young man with a bright future and I wish him nothing but the best.”
Jones goes back and forth on decision
The initial report back in December that Jones was going to transfer was surprising for one reason. Jones struggled at times and fell out of favor with the fanbase. He was even benched against LSU and FSU. Transferring to get a fresh start at a new school makes sense.
However, leaving before getting his degree was surprising. Jones is on track to graduate with a telecommunications degree this spring. Obtaining his degree from the University of Florida was a major factor in staying at Florida one more semester.
“That was definitely a big factor for me,” he said Tuesday. “I always wanted to get a degree from here so definitely working toward that too.”
Gators depth at quarterback
Anthony Richardson should be considered the frontrunner to win the starting job. With Jones out of the picture that will mean more reps for Ohio State transfer Jack Miller, as well as redshirt freshmen Carlos Del Rio-Wilson and Jalen Kitna.
Jones started 12 games in 2021. He passed for 2,734 yards (210.3 YPG) and 19 touchdowns while leading the team in rushing with 759 yards and four scores on 143 carries. He also had 13 interceptions, most of any quarterback in the SEC.
Richardson dealt with injuries throughout the 2021 season. He had knee surgery before the bowl game and was cleared to participate for spring.
