Transfers

(ASSUMING HE IS "ELIGIBLE"): AFTER a phone call to his previous coach, & a face to face meeting between YOU, your AD, the player, & his parents - then YOU must make that call!

Mitch,
This is a great opportunity for yourself and the player. Regardless of his past and the added volume of being recruited by SEC school, this is still a young man with a future. You being a football coach can have a lasting impression in his life. I wouls sit him down and tell him how your team is and what you expect of all the players. It doesn't matter how talented he is or what others say. He has to earn not just the respect of the coaches but all the players on the team. They have been busting their butts in the offseason and now it's THEIR team this year. They won't let someone just walk into any spots and take them away nor will you let that happen. Wether he makes it or not I think you will come out on top in the minds of your current players.
Things in life have to be earned through hard work, perseverance and commitment. If he can prove everyday that he has these qualities and earn a place on the team he will be allowed. Being a second team player to start, special teams, rooting on his team. This team was here before him and still will be with or without him. get right to the point with him and make it clear. It's his life, it's his future. He makes the CHOICES and CHOOSES where it will go. That part is out of your hands and in his.
Helping build the character of this young man and leaving a lasting impression in his life and others with this situation. You will be giving the parents a joy of making the right choice in moving their son out of where he was and trying to protect him. As well as leaving an impression on your life in the way you handle your players.
This type of situation which I've had to see too many times could lead to great things in the end for many. It goes beyond the field but the ending can be very rewarding. It doesn't always workout and that's the sad part. I give this kid a shot though, because it goes beyond him being a football player, it's someones life.