Devin Moore out for season, Billy Napier confirms

True freshman cornerback Devin Moore will miss the rest of the 2022 season following successful shoulder surgery Wednesday, Florida head coach Billy Napier confirmed.

“This was an injury that he had when he arrived [on campus]. It was uncovered during the first few weeks of the season,” Napier said Wednesday during his media availability. “He showed great toughness. He played with it for a little while but then it got to a point where he’s not been able to participate. Devin had surgery today and will certainly be out. We’re hopeful we’ll have him back for offseason program and spring practice.”

Prior the the injury update, Napier said the injury was reaggravated at practice ahead of the LSU game last month. He reported Moore’s injury as “nothing major,” but has been held out since the 52-17 win over Eastern Washington on Oct. 2.

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Moore played a limited role on defense this season serving as the backup to Jason Marshall Jr. He finished the year with six total tackles having played in five games. He logged at least one tackle in every game he appeared in this season.

Originally committed to Notre Dame, Moore was a highly sought-after prospect on co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Patrick Toney’s list when he joined Napier’s staff this offseason. Moore was a Gator just two weeks later. That means – in the defensive staff’s eyes – the best of Moore in Gainesville is yet to come.

Ultimately, Moore will miss the final seven regular season games for the Gators, and having participated in five games, is not eligible to use his true freshman season as a redshirt year. He’ll enter 2023 as a true sophomore on the field.

If everything goes the way Napier hopes, Moore will be suited up and ready to go for the Gators’ 2023 season opener in Salt Lake City for a date with the Utah Utes on Sept. 2.