The Bengals made a surprising decision to claim rookie quarterback Jeff Driskel off waivers on Sunday. The former 49ers draft pick was the fourth string quarterback on the San Francisco roster this offseason and was beat out for the third string job by journeyman Christian Ponder.
The new Bengals quarterback started out his college career at Florida where he played as a true freshman before becoming a starter as a sophomore. In his junior season of 2013, he broke his leg and lost the starting role in 2014 and 2015. Because of that, he earned an extra year of eligibility and played a fifth college season at Louisiana Tech, where he had his best collegiate season.
Driskel likes the beach.
He’s also gets involved in his community, something that he’ll have in common with many of his new Bengals teammates.
Check out his gardening skills:
Driskel shares his love of the game of football with young kids learning the game.
Driskel played in this year’s Senior Bowl. He led the North team on a two-minute drive and finished 8-for-9 for 108 yards and a touchdown. He also added three carries for 15 yards.
He’s friends with Ravens rookie running back Kenneth Dixon from Louisiana Tech. Dixon also played in the Senior Bowl.
Senior Bowl week was awesome. Enjoyed the opportunity to compete. Me and my brother @_BONEHEAD_tez_ post game. #HBTD pic.twitter.com/2XFvdfyzOg
— Jeff Driskel (@jeffdriskel) January 31, 2016
Driskel was the fastest quarterback at the NFL Combine this year, running a 4.56 second 40-yard dash.
The #NFLCombine was an awesome experience. Enjoyed competing and working with the best in the business.
— Jeff Driskel (@jeffdriskel) February 28, 2016
Driskel likes reading (that’s a big plus in my book)!
Just bought a book from Barnes and Noble. #Mature #ReadingIsGood
— Jeff Driskel (@jeffdriskel) March 9, 2016
Driskel says his best coaching advice is on touchdown celebrations. Maybe one day we’ll get to see his.
Had a blast at the 12th Man Football/Cheer Camp at St Andrews School in Boca. Biggest coaching point. TD celebration pic.twitter.com/Sa5HE3sHjN
— Jeff Driskel (@jeffdriskel) March 12, 2016
Driskel has an MBA from Louisiana Tech University... Not too shabby!
La Tech Alum #MBA pic.twitter.com/kSPn9fN5Uf
— Jeff Driskel (@jeffdriskel) March 17, 2016
Driskel is a former baseball player! He was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2013, but opted to go to Florida and stick to football. Interestingly, he’s been compared to Tim Tebow who is trying to make the switch to MLB after playing in the NFL.
"After my college football career is over I want to pursue a professional career in the NFL," Driskel said in a statement via CBS Sports in 2013. "If I ever decide I want to play baseball, I want to play with the Boston Red Sox who drafted me in the recent draft."
Got drafted by the Red Sox today. Did not see that coming.
— Jeff Driskel (@jeffdriskel) June 8, 2013
Driskel was drafted by the 49ers in the sixth round of this year’s draft.
Unbelievably excited to have gotten taken by the @49ers what an opportunity!
— Jeff Driskel (@jeffdriskel) April 30, 2016
He is lucky to be living his dream.
1st MiniCamp in the books. What an honor to put on that @49ers uniform everyday.
— Jeff Driskel (@jeffdriskel) June 9, 2016
But, that dream has changed paths, as now, he’ll be joining the Bengals on their quest for Super Bowl 51.
Beyond excited to be apart of the @Bengals organization. Can't wait to get to work. Also would like to thank @49ers for the opportunity.
— Jeff Driskel (@jeffdriskel) September 4, 2016
It’s not fully clear what the Bengals are doing in adding a third quarterback to the 53-man roster, something they’ve rarely done in recent years, but it appears the team has a plan for Driskel.