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Billy Napier Provides Injury Update on Several Sidelined Gators
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Florida is getting healthy at the right time.
Just over a month before Billy Napier's second season at the helm kicks off on Aug. 31 against Utah, the Gators approach an important offseason milestone of fall camp. As UF is set to return to the practice field, several Gators who have been sidelined for several months are being cleared to return to the field.
Among the mix, defenders Devin Moore (shoulder) and Derek Wingo (shoulder, foot) — who suffered injuries during the 2022 season — are prepared to assume their high-volume roles in the rotation of their respective positions ahead of 2023 when week one preparation begins July 31.
"All have been through return to play protocol," Napier said to select media members prior to his appearance at the podium for Florida's SEC Media Day slot on Wednesday. "Those guys are participating. They're completely cleared and participating in OTAs."
While Moore and Wingo are ready to go, left guard Micah Mazzccua is a notable player who remains on the shelf for the time being, according to Napier.
Entering the fold from Baylor this spring, Mazzccua is largely expected to provide a similar steamrolling presence to the Gators' consensus All-American right guard O'Cyrus Torrence from a year ago.
He backed up those lofty expectations in the time he did see in March, earning praise from coaches and teammates for the experience, and the "freakin' dog" he brings to the table.
"Micah is kind of like Cybo when it comes to—you can teach a concept one time and he has it," said Florida offensive line coach Rob Sale in March. "Some guys got to take notes, write it down, do a walkthrough. Micah kind of just looks at you and goes, 'Alright.' You think, 'Do you got it or not?' You know, he's like, 'I got it' and sure enough, he gets it."
While he's set to occupy the opposite interior offensive line spot, the Philadelphia, Penn. native has received high praise from the Florida staff as an immediate plug to replace Torrence as a stalwart to the Gators' retooled trenches group. Incumbent starting center Kingsley Eguakun described him as the firecracker of the unit.
Mazzccua is expected to align beside starting left tackle Austin Barber, creating a dynamic tackle-guard combo on the left side for the offense to depend on in both the rushing attack and passing protection.
A shoulder injury during the spring practice regimen derailed him from participating in a considerable portion of the acclimation period, as the wound required surgery. However, just under four months later, Mazzccua has made significant strides to prepare himself for the upcoming fall camp.
He's on track to suit up come week one in Salt Lake City, Utah.
"He's doing great," Napier said. "He's on schedule. Certainly, he'll get reps, and he'll have his opportunity to compete.
"I think before his injury, he showed that he's very capable. There will be some things that come with missing time. Overall, he's on schedule to be ready to go."
Fellow offensive lineman Kamryn Waites, a swing piece who saw reps at guard and tackle for the Gators during the 2022 campaign, is also taking steps toward seeing the field again soon.
While he'll, expectedly, still be sidelined for fall camp and into the season due to the severity of his torn Achilles tendon, he's ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation efforts. Florida, much to the pleasure of Napier, expects him to be available at some point in the 2023 season.
"Kam's doing really well," Napier said. "We anticipate him being available at some point during the season. Really pleased with that, and I think he's ahead of schedule a little bit. That process has went really well.
"Again, that's a guy who we think has a bright future. Hopefully, we get him in position where he can take some reps at the end of the year."
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