Grossman to Stay at Florida

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Quarterback Rex Grossman handed new Florida Coach Ron Zook his first big triumph Friday when he announced he would return to the Gators for his junior season.

“It’s the hardest decision I’ve had to make in my entire life,” Grossman said. “It was going to be a big decision either way. But I’m glad I’m coming back.”

Rejoining him will be receiver Taylor Jacobs, who said he would return. Neither Grossman nor Taylor was considering leaving before former coach Steve Spurrier’s unexpected resignation.

Grossman told reporters there was no way he would have stayed had there not been a coach in place by Friday, the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft.

With little-known Zook on the job, it remained a tough decision.

“I went from 90% sure I was leaving, to 60% sure I was staying, and all over the board,” Grossman said.

A series of meetings with Zook and new offensive coordinator Ed Zaunbrecher persuaded Grossman to stay.

His decision took on greater urgency when backup Brock Berlin announced Thursday night that he was transferring to Miami.