Gators transfer Cody Larson eligible immediately at South Dakota State

The former Florida forward and South Dakota native with a checkered past will have two seasons to turn his college career around.

Florida transfer Cody Larson will suit up for South Dakota State this season, the school announced this week. Larson was granted a release waiver by the NCAA's Subcommittee for Legislative Relief.

“We want to thank the committee and the NCAA for taking the time to look at Cody’s waiver,” head coach Scott Nagy said in a statement. “We appreciate the fact that this ruling allows him the opportunity to be eligible to compete immediately.”

Larson, a junior, is from Sioux Falls, S.D. He made headlines in 2011 when he was arrested along with former Florida standout Alex Murphy for trespassing. Larson also was charged with a misdemeanor related to prescription drugs in South Dakota in 2010. Larson quit Florida's team last fall to concentrate on improving his grades.

A 6-9 and 230 pounds, Larson is a power forward option who could help SDSU after its big loss of NBA draft pick Nate Wolters. Wolters is now with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Larson averaged less than a point and a rebound in under six minuter per game while with Florida. The Jackrabbits open their season on Nov. 8.