It’s been a tumultuous offseason for Dan Mullen and the Florida Gators. Four members of the Class of 2019 are no longer with the program, and there have been a rash of domestic abuse allegations levied against people associated with the team. Florida was in need of a shot in the arm, and the Gators got one when it was announced that Brenton Cox was in practice on Friday and is enrolled in the university.
Former Georgia OLB Brenton Cox is enrolled at Florida and will be at Gators practice today per @ThomasGoldkamp https://t.co/wVwXqgO4Hl pic.twitter.com/wTnHojyjOE
— Luke Stampini (@LukeStampini) August 9, 2019
Brenton Cox was a five-star linebacker that signed with Georgia in the Class of 2018. He was the No. 23 overall recruit in the country per 247 Sports, and he saw immediate playing time as a true freshman last year. Cox played in 13 games for the Bulldogs, picking up 20 tackles, and he was the starter at outside linebacker for the Georgia’s Sugar Bowl appearance versus Texas.
Cox was projected to be Georgia’s starter at outside linebacker in 2019, but there was a falling out between the linebacker and Kirby Smart. Cox was arrested for marijuana possession back in April, and he was facing a mandatory one-game suspension as a result of the arrest. That may have played a part in his decision, but it feels like there had to be other reasons for the star linebacker to make the move.
The move to Florida happened quickly. Cox and Kirby Smart met earlier in the week, and both agreed that Cox should enter the transfer portal. Apparently, Smart put no restrictions on where Cox could transfer, and Thomas Goldkamp of 247 Sports broke the news that the linebacker was in Gainesville on Friday.
It’s unlikely that Brenton Cox will play this season. He would need an NCAA waiver to be eligible in 2019, or else he will not be able to suit up for the Gators until 2020. However, Cox is allowed to participate in fall practice regardless of whether or not the waiver is granted.
H/T 247 Sports
