Defensive end Justus Boone suffered a torn ACL during Florida’s first scrimmage of fall camp on Thursday afternoon, Billy Napier confirmed to the media on Friday.
“Justus Boone has torn his ACL and will have surgery in about two weeks,” Napier said in his opening statement on Friday afternoon. “You know, I would tell you this is one of the more challenging parts of the job for me, relative to having a great relationship with a young man and then observing him work, and change his life as a person and as a football player. And, not just a production on the field that Boone brings to our team, but more importantly his presence as a leader.”
Boone’s ACL tear was described as a post-play non-contact injury.
“It was actually post-play. Believe it or not, it was celebrating after a play was over. It was really non-contact. He was just coming off the field. One of those head-scratchers, you know. Any time a non-contact injury occurs, it causes you to ask questions,” Napier added.
The biggest question now is how the Gators will go about replacing Boone, who was slated to start at defensive end in 2023.
“I think you’ve got the two true freshmen, obviously, their role will increase. Kelby Collins and Kamran James,” Napier said on the depth after Boone.
Florida would be flirting with disaster by trotting out two true freshmen at defensive end to start the season, so there’s likely going to be some position changes taking place over the next week.
“There’s a number of players from a grouping standpoint that will be a factor,” Napier said. “Tyreak Sapp, even Caleb Banks, to some degree, is a versatile player, and Jack Pyburn can play both sides. You can put Jack at ‘F’ so we’ve got confidence in the players but we’re going to have a little less experience.”
Tyreak Sapp, a 6-3, 271-pound defensive lineman, has some experience lining up over the tackle. In his only season seeing the field, Sapp recorded 113 of his 305 snaps over or outside of the tackle in 2022. Moving Sapp to defensive end in more of a permanent role seems like a no-brainer given his size and athletic ability.
Sophomore Jack Pyburn only saw 43 defensive snaps for the Gators last season as he primarily worked in a special teams role.
“Jack is one of the more impressive young men that we have in terms of work ethic, self discipline, he’s very motivated,” Napier said on Pyburn. “Jack is one of those guys who is at his best when the pads are on. He has a motor, he’s tough, he’s physical, he plays with effort and he’s a smart player. He has the respect of his teammates and the respect of the staff. This guy had probably one of the best offseasons if not the best of any player on our team in terms of body composition. He’s made significant improvement. There is — he’s another good example — he’s got that gator in him, that’s what I would tell you. He’s going to be a lot of fun to watch.”
Transfer Caleb Banks has been working with the defensive tackle unit but has the athletic ability to slide to the outside if needed.
Napier wasn’t necessarily concerned with replacing the talent of Boone, but more so his leadership and experience.
“Justus brings some experience to the table and leadership in general, Napier said. The challenge here will be replacing that, that starting presence. We’re going to keep him connected to that, that unit, to the team. I think the big thing here is we have a few more things we have to learn with these players in general. There will be some adjustments that need to be made.”
Gator Country will keep tabs on position changes as the Gators work through fall camp.