Billy Napier Updates the Status of Several Sidelined Gators

Florida head coach Billy Napier offers a brief injury update and timeline for return for several minor injuries suffered by the Gators this fall.

Photo: Lyndell Hudson II; Credit: Zach Goodall 

Preseason attrition has overwhelmed the Gators in recent days.

Edge rusher Justus Boone's injury lowlights a string of sidelined Gators at this point in the fall camp regimen.

The practice participation report has quickly grown over the last week, containing players with minor bumps and bruises. The list includes offensive linemen Lyndell Hudson II and Richie Leonard IV, cornerbacks Jason Marshall Jr. and Devin Moore, linebacker Scooby Williams, defensive lineman Kelby Collins and tight ends Dante Zanders and Arlis Boardingham, among others.

On Friday, Florida head coach Billy Napier offered a status update on several crucial pieces, presenting timelines for their return to the practice field ahead of the unit's season-opening bout against Utah on Aug. 31.

"So, you know, Zanders was out. Probably will be with Zanders for 10 days or so," he said. "He has a lower-body injury. Kelby Collins is kind of in the same category. He could be back sooner than later.

"We're excited to get back — I think tomorrow we'll get back Scooby, Jason Marshall and Lyndell. So we're kind of, you know, we got a few that we're losing and a few that we're getting back. So, we're in a relatively safe place there. And some of this is, you know, we're being cautious with some of these guys."

Moore is also "making good progress," according to Napier, and remains in return to play protocol. They expect him back "in the next couple of days," although the same was said about Moore's anticipated return on Monday.

On a broader scale, Florida, a newly reconstructed team after year one under Napier's leadership, is amid a crucial meshing operation within all units. 

The process is the most glaring on the offensive line, which is working to replace four starters from the 2022 season.

Thus far, the Gators have been unable to participate at full strength upfront, given the moving parts that have come in and out of the lineup this offseason. Baylor transfer Micah Mazzccua — an indispensable asset to Florida's tranches this season — is just three days removed from shedding his black no-contact jersey in favor of full participation.

But, as the guard returned to the lineup, the opposite guard, Leonard, was temporarily removed. While he participated in the scrimmage, he was limited and seen in a no-contact jersey the two practices prior.

While it undoubtedly presents negatives on the chemistry front, the absences of the projected starters has allowed Napier, Rob Sale and Darnell Stapleton to view the depth at their disposal heading into the year. It's provided growing confidence in the OL room's rotation this season, and the future of the group in ensuing seasons. 

"You know, I feel really good about, I would say the depth of the interior, you know, I think we've got a handful of really good players. I think the first few tackles are really good players, and then I think it's all about who's the third tackle, and that's why it's exciting to get Lyndell back. I think we have some talented young players that are starting to come alive. 

"Jalen Farmer, in particular, I think he's starting to practice, you know, the dots are connecting there. Bryce Lovett, Jordan Herman, you know, those are the guys that we need to come on. I like Richie Leonard. I like [Jake] Slaughter.

"So, I think we have less issues on the interior, more on the perimeter. That's where we have competition and we need growth to develop depth on our team."

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