Sox sign Florida QB Driskel — sort of — and 39th-rounder Trader

Red Sox 29th-round draft pick Jeff Driskel will return to the University of Florida in the fall, resume his role as the Gators' quarterback and continue to work toward his goal of a career on the gridiron.

But should any of that change — should Driskel ever opt to pursue baseball over football — the Red Sox will own his rights after inking the rising junior to a contract Wednesday, according to WEEI.com's Alex Speier.

Every indication is that Driskel, who has not played competitive baseball since high school, is not interested in playing baseball professionally. His deal is similar to that of former Arizona State linebacker Brandon Magee, who signed with the Red Sox last summer but in May signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent to pursue a career in football.


The Red Sox also signed 39th-rounder K.J. Trader this week, according to The (Delmar, Md.) Daily Times. Trader, who had signed a letter of intent to attend Chipola College in Marianna, Fla., struck out 62 batters in nine games during his senior campaign at Delmar High.

Trader will report to Fort Myers, where he will likely eventually be activated and play with the GCL Red Sox.

Photo credit: Jeff Driskel courtesy of University of Florida athletics.

Tim Healey is a staff writer for SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @timbhealey.

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