Grayson QB Del Rio, Florida commit, ineligible for senior season

Grayson quarterback Carlos Del Rio, a four-star recruit who committed to Florida, is ineligible to play his senior season.

Del Rio lost an appeal Tuesday when the GHSA’s board of trustees ruled that didn’t meet the association’s rules for transfers. He posted his frustration on his Twitter account.

“It’s tough because he’s come in here and done such a good job of being a good kid in the short time that he’s been here, but he’s handled it well,” Grayson coach Adam Carter said. “He got back from the meeting yesterday and came to practice to see the coaches and the kids. His leadership and character will be missed.”

Del Rio is the second former McEachern player committed to Florida who has not gained his senior eligibility.

Carrollton linebacker Chief Borders lost a bid for eligibility before his team’s opener Saturday against Collins Hill. His lawyer, G. Jason Thompson, said that Borders had a final appeal coming and would continue legal action if not successful.

“It’s inherently wrong that if you move from a county to another county that you can’t participate in sports and everything else, and we’re going to do something about it,” Thompson said.

According to GHSA bylaws, a transfer is eligible immediately at a new school only if he moves into the service area (typically the school district) of the new school before attending. He must move “simultaneously with the entire parental unit or persons he/she resided with at the former school,” according to GHSA bylaws. The parents also must have relinquished their former residence.

The GHSA board heard 14 appeals Tuesday, denying 11 and approving three. The athletes' sports are not listed, but most were not football players.

Grayson, ranked No. 1 in Class 7A, won its opener over Jones County 51-13. Del Rio did not play. De’yon Cannon was 14-of-19 passing for 208 yards and two touchdowns.

Carrollton lost to Collins Hill 46-24.