Billy Napier Updates Florida TE Jonathan Odom's Injury Status
Photo: Jonathan Odom; Credit: Zach Goodall
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Gators junior tight end Jonathan Odom — who on Wednesday was ruled out of a third consecutive game, Florida's upcoming matchup with Georgia — is currently nursing a concussion, according to head coach Billy Napier.
"He's in concussion protocol, ultimately," Napier said about Odom on Wednesday before suggesting the tight end is nearing a return to play. "He's close. He's making progress, without a doubt."
Odom has not played since Week 5, when he took the field against Kentucky for two snaps. He was unavailable the week before against Charlotte but appeared in the first three games of the season, against Utah, McNeese State and Tennessee.
He has produced nine receptions for 75 yards this season.
The son of former Florida All-American offensive lineman, Jason, Odom signed with the Gators in the recruiting class of 2020 out of Tampa (Fla.) Jesuit.
Following two seasons in a reserve role to begin his collegiate career, Odom emerged within Florida's tight end rotation during the 2022 season as Billy Napier's offensive scheme increased the Gators' deployment of 12-personnel. He made nine appearances and caught seven passes for 69 yards and two touchdowns on the year.
Odom suffered a major right knee injury against Oregon State in the Dec. 2022 Las Vegas Bowl, however, which required offseason surgery.
Miraculously, Odom returned to practice participation during Florida's fall training camp and was available to play against Utah in Week 1. He caught four passes for a career-high 46 yards in that game.
Redshirt freshmen Hayden Hansen and Arlis Boardingham have assumed the starting duties at Florida's 'Y' and 'H' tight end positions, respectively, in recent weeks. The duo has combined for 22 receptions for 240 yards and four touchdowns over the first seven games of the season.
Redshirt senior Dante Zanders currently provides depth behind Hansen at the 'Y.' Freshman Tony Livingston, who was named a first-teamer at 'H' in Week 1, was out between Weeks 2-5 with an upper-body injury and returned in a depth role against Vanderbilt.
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