The Gators just picked up a big addition to their team in more ways than one.
Six days after deciding to transfer from Texas, 6’5, 320 pound offensive tackle Jean DeLance has decided to, in his words, “continue his education and football career at the University of Florida.” He will have to sit out a year as an undergraduate transfer, and will have three years of eligibility for the Gators beginning in 2018.
DeLance was a highly touted four star recruit in the 2016 cycle, earning offers from the likes of Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, USC, Wisconsin and FSU, and eventually an invitation to the Under Armour All American Game. He originally committed to Oklahoma, but backed off that commitment when a video went viral of OU Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity students chanting, among other horrifically racist things, that “there will never be a (insert N word here) in SAE.” He eventually announced at the UA game that he would go to Texas to play for then-coach Charlie Strong.
But DeLance played sparingly as a freshman thanks to a crowded offensive tackle situation that includes All-American Connor Williams, and decided that a fresh start would be best. Florida’s starting left tackle Martez Ivey may very well declare early for the NFL Draft after this season, which means that DeLance potentially has an opportunity to play right away pending his offseason performances.