Florida’s starting center Kingsley Eguakun is doubtful to play in Thursday night’s opener against Utah, multiple sources tell Gator Country. Redshirt sophomore Jake Slaughter is expected to start in place of Eguakun if in fact he can’t play.
“Jake Slaughter is a player I have the utmost confidence in,” Billy Napier said last week. “He’s been outstanding in his role. It’s really important to Jake. He wants to do his job for his teammates. He cares about the University of Florida. It’s kind of in his DNA to some degree, being local. So he’s done fantastic.”
Slaughter has just 22 career reps at center, while most of his playing time has come in a Special Teams Role. In 2022, Slaughter found 20 snaps at center, working to an offensive grade of 69.4, a pass block grade of 76.0, and a run block grade of 66.4, according to Pro Football Focus.
“I think they’re wired the right way. They want to be great players. Richie’s in that category, Jake Slaughter is in that category,” offensive line coach Rob Sale said on his unit. “We’ve got some guys up front that really learn and know how to go out there and compete, day in and day out, no matter the circumstance.”
Gator Country has only heard positive remarks on Slaughter throughout his two years in Gainesville.
“Guys that really showed up, I would say Jake Slaughter, Knijeah Harris,” offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton said on the guys that have stood out the most during spring camp. “There’s some other guys, but those two guys off the top of my head really stand out, guys that we know that we can count on and going to mix it up here in the next few days and can count on them to play good football for us.”
The 6-5, 295-pound center is expected to make his first career start for the Florida Gators on Thursday night against the Utah Utes.