Florida Gators redshirt junior offensive guard Antonio Riles suffered a severe knee injury requiring surgery that will probably end his season, Gator Country has learned.
Jim McElwain announced the injury in a press conference on Monday night, following Florida’s first practice in full pads at the Dizney lacrosse fields.
“Antonio Riles went down today with a leg,” McElwain said following the practice Monday night. “I have no idea how serious it is.”
A veteran voice along the offensive line, Riles brought leadership to a young group that is expected to be improved after allowing a SEC high 45 sacks a year ago. Riles played in 11 games in 2015 starting the first six. The Lawrenceville, Georgia native has played in 15 games since taking a redshirt as a freshman in 2013. Riles made the transition from defensive line to offensive line after his first season in Gainesville, a decision that Will Muschamp originally brought up to him.
Riles was competing with sophomores Tyler Jordan and Martez Ivey for a starting spot at offensive guard and figured to play into the rotation along the offensive line in 2016.
McElwain does not have a scheduled press conference until Friday, but a UAA spokesperson confirmed that McElwain will address Riles’ status at that time.