Could a soap opera that’s about to enter its fourth day be close to a merciful end? Based on the central character, it very well could be.
Five-star defensive end CeCe Jefferson announced Wednesday that he was committing to Florida over his other finalist, Auburn. Since then, however, Jefferson has yet to send his signed National Letter of Intent to UF to make the commitment official.
The father of the Glen St. Mary (Fla.) product stirred the pot by claiming in a tweet -- since deleted -- that “we are holding out” from sending a signed National Letter of Intent, in part because UF’s defensive line coach left for a job in the NFL, something that the family had known about in the days leading up to signing day. Another factor was that the dad, Leo Jefferson, and the player’s mother wanted him to get away from the area.
“I wanted to get him away from home,” the elder Jefferson said. “I didn’t want him in Gainesville, to tell you the truth.”
On Twitter, the younger Jefferson has been steadfast in his desire to be a Gator, even has he could’ve already ended the media circus by sending in a signed NLI.
Im a Gator my dude! Forget all these rumors that I was paid,my parents disagreed w my decision, all of that..My last tweet is whyi held out
— Carl (@cecejeferson7) February 6, 2015
So to all my haters,It's still Gator Gang!
— Carl (@cecejeferson7) February 6, 2015
No NLI being faxed to UF’s football office could be about to change, though, as could the persistent speculation.
On Twitter Friday, Jon Shumake of the Baker County Press wrote that “Jefferson said he’s planning on signing his #LOI to #Florida sometime next week.” On the same social media site early Saturday evening, the player himself indicated that an official signing is seemingly imminent.
Im a Gator and my LOI will be turned in soon,my dad and coach Collins had a long talk today. 🐊🐊🐊🐊
— Carl (@cecejeferson7) February 7, 2015
Regardless of when this whole drama ends, let’s hope it ends soon for all of the parties involved.