Saturday, January 5 Updated: January 6, 6:45 PM ET Spurrier's exit prompts players to reconsider ESPN.com news services |
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Florida wide receiver Jabar Gaffney, who said Friday that he was leaving early for the NFL, could be having a change of heart, his mother told the Jacksonville Union Tribune. Ozetta Gaffney told the newspaper Saturday night that her son is waiting to make his final decision until after he meets with the Florida coaching staff and former Gators coach Steve Spurrier on Monday. "He's waiting to talk to the coaches first," Ozetta Gaffney told the Union Tribune. "He'll make his decision after that." Jabar Gaffney was unavailable for comment. "I was going to stay," Gaffney told Orlando Sentinel on Saturday. "But I'm going to have to part. I was going to come back and play for him (Steve Spurrier) for one more year. I loved playing for the man, and I hope I play for him on the next level." Ozetta Gaffney confirmed that her son -- who caught 67 passes for 1,191 yards and 13 touchdowns this past season -- was leaning toward returning to Florida for his redshirt junior season until Spurrier unexpectedly resigned Friday. Now the Gators' best receiver, who could be the first receiver chosen in the NFL draft if he indeed does come out, isn't sure of his status and wants to wait until Monday or Tuesday before making a final decision, Ozetta Gaffney said. According to the Gainesville Sun, cornerback Lito Sheppard, Gaffney's roommate and cousin, said he will not return for his senior season. Sheppard, projected to be a first-round pick, told school officials Friday that he will put his name into the upcoming NFL draft, according to sources. Orange Bowl MVP Taylor Jacobs also is considering leaving early. "I was not thinking about leaving until after the Orange Bowl," Jacobs, a junior wide receiver, told the Gainesville Sun. "I'll have to see if they bring in another coach, who it is, and I'll have to think about what's best for me. ... I'm really, really going to explore it." |
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