McDonald’s All-American Chris Walker admitted to Florida, practices for first time

Florida coach Billy Donovan received a huge boost for his program Saturday when the school announced former McDonald's All-American Chris Walker finally has been admitted to school and was allowed to practice with the team.

It remains uncertain how soon Donovan will be able to get Walker on the floor in a game . The 6-foot-10 forward's status with the program has been in limbo because of academic issues this fall, but those problems apparently have been worked out or are on the verge of being wrapped up with the NCAA Clearinghouse.

The Florida press release announcing the addition of Walker to the roster boasts that he brings 'game-changing athleticism" to the program. It's an accurate claim that Donovan has to be excited to stir into his rotation.

The Gators (7-2) two losses this season have come to ranked opponents Wisconsin and UConn and rebounding has been a problem. Walker should help there. Florida's has two games scheduled over the next week. The first is Tuesday against No. 16 Memphis and the second is next Saturday at home against Fresno State. Donovan is probably hoping to get Walker into one or both of those games before the Gators' have an eight-day break between games for Christmas.

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Kyle Ringo

is the assistant editor of The Dagger on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at kyle.ringo@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!