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Billy Napier announces Florida DE, projected starter, suffered torn ACL in scrimmage
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Billy Napier had an unfortunate injury update during his Friday press conference. The Florida head coach told reporters that Justus Boone tore his ACL in Thursday’s scrimmage. Boone will have surgery in about 2 weeks.
“I do think this will galvanize our team. This is a guy they really love and care about,” Napier said. “And (they) will want to do their part to make up for his absence on the field. … But we’re gonna rally around Boone.”
“All Gators need to lift up our boy Boone today,” Napier added. “He’s one of the best ones we have.”
A former Sumter (South Carolina) High School standout, Boone is in his third year at UF. He made just 2 appearances in 2021, taking a redshirt.
Last season, Boone appeared in all 13 games, making 2 starts. Boone recorded 24 tackles (1 TFL, 1 sack) and 1 quarterback hurry in his redshirt freshman season.
In Boone’s absence, Napier said that 2023 signees Kelby Collins and Kamran James will receive increased opportunities. The Gators’ veteran defensive linemen also provide some versatility.
Florida opens the 2023 season on the road at defending Pac-12 champion Utah on Aug. 31.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
