Gators Center Kingsley Eguakun Tabbed to Rimington Trophy Watch List
Florida Gators center Kingsley Eguakun was named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List on Friday.
The honor is awarded annually to the best center in college football.
Eguakun — after participating in a reserve role in his first two years in Gainesville — has served in a starting role for 26 straight games for Florida over the past two seasons. Showcasing a dominant run-blocking prowess with continued growth as a pass protector, the Jacksonville, Fla., has drawn considerable attention as a potential late-round sleeper candidate in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Reese's Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy praised Eguakun earlier this offseason, setting expectations for a fruitful senior campaign with a step forward in consistency — namely in his propensity for mental errors (snap infraction penalties).
As he steps into his third year as Florida's starter at center, Eguakun is the lone returning veteran. As a result, he's shouldering the burden of leadership on the reconstructed offensive line. The unit aims to realize similar success in 2023 compared to the 2022 season.
"It's kind of moreso about us being a cohesive unit, and as the leader of the group, it's up to me to kind of bring everybody together and kind of jell us together so we're working with each other," he said at SEC Media Days.
"So, I think everyone they brought in has an eagerness to get better. I think for the group and not only for the group, but for the team that kind of helps everybody raise their level up."
He joins wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, punter Jeremy Crawshaw and running back Trevor Etienne and linebacker Derek Wingo to grace preseason award watch lists ahead of the Gators 2023 campaign.
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