Overview
- Florida's leading tackler, Shemar James, will be out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his dislocated left kneecap.
- James suffered the injury during Florida's 43-20 loss to Georgia, when he tweaked his knee during pregame warmups and re-injured it in the fourth quarter.
- Florida's coach, Billy Napier, explains that James' injury is a recurrence of a high school injury, comparing it to a shoulder dislocation which requires fixing if it reoccurs.
- Despite James' injury, Napier believes it will not be a long-term obstacle for his future career, commending his outstanding practice habits and leadership qualities.
- In James' absence, fourth-year junior Mannie Nunnery, who has been part of the Gators team that has a current record of 5-3 in the Southeastern Conference, is expected to start.