Florida's Jeff Driskel given permission to transfer

Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel has been granted a release to transfer, new Gators head coach Jim McElwain told reporters Saturday. "I know he’s asked for his

Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel has been granted a release to transfer, new Gators head coach Jim McElwain told reporters Saturday.

"I know he’s asked for his release, and that’s up for him," McElwain said, according to Edgar Thompson of the Orlando Sentinel. "We all have choices and I’m not going to hold him hostage, certainly."

Driskel, a redshirt junior, was the top quarterback recruit in his high school class. He led the Gators to a 10-2 record in 2012, his first season as the starter. He played three games in 2013 before suffering a season-ending leg injury.

• Jameis Winston hints at returning to Florida State next season​

Driskel entered 2014 as the Gators' starting quarterback but was supplanted by true freshman Treon Harris. 

Driskel has already received his degree and would be immediately eligible to play if he chose to transfer. He is reportedly interested in transferring to Duke.

- Dan Gartland