Florida has officially added immediate help to its football roster. From an in-state rival, no less.
In December, it was confirmed that Lorenzo Lingard had entered the NCAA transfer database. In early January, Lingard announced on Twitter that he is transferring to Florida and will continue his collegiate playing career with the Gators. A couple of days later, Florida confirmed the running back’s addition to the football roster.
It was thought that Lingard will have to sit out the 2020 season. However, Lingard confirmed late this past week that he has been granted a waiver from the NCAA. That will allow the back to play immediately for the Gators in 2020. He’ll also have two additional years of eligibility that he can use starting in 2021 as well.
Lingard made the announcement on his personal Twitter account.
“Approved to play this year,” the back wrote. “Best birthday gift ever.”
Approved to play this year 🙏🏾best birthday gift ever 💯god is good
— Lorenzo Lingard JR (@d1champ99) May 29, 2020
A five-star member of The U’s 2018 recruiting class, Lorenzo Lingard was rated as the No. 2 running back in the country. He was also the No. 6 player at any position in the state of Florida and the No. 25 recruit overall on 247Sports.com‘s composite board. The back was the highest-rated signee in the class that year for the Hurricanes.
A knee injury essentially cost Lingard the last half of his true freshman season. This past year, he appeared in just two games.
During his brief time at Miami, Lingard ran for 136 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. All of that production came in 2018.
Florida and Miami are not scheduled to play at any point the next three seasons. They will, though, renew the in-state rivalry in 2024.