Billy Napier provides injury update on Jack Miller, Jaydon Hill

No. 20 Florida will be without backup quarterback Jack Miller due to injury for its showdown with No. 11 Tennessee on Saturday in Knoxville, coach Billy Napier revealed on Wednesday evening. But veteran cornerback Jaydon Hill could return from an injury.

The Ohio State quarterback transfer underwent thumb surgery in August and has yet to appear in a game this season for the Gators.

“Jack Miller I think is out this week,” Napier told local reporters.

However, Hill could make his return after being sidelined for more than a year. Hill missed the entire 2021 campaign following a torn ACL that he suffered in the preseason.

He has yet to appear in a game this season while he continues to recover. Florida isn’t in quite as much need of immediate help at cornerback as it potentially is at quarterback, though, with starter Anthony Richardson currently struggling.

Richardson has gone just 24-of-53 (45.3%) passing for 255 yards in the last two weeks. He hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass and he’s been picked off four times in that span, leading many to wonder if the Gators might turn to a backup should those struggles continue.

But with Miller out, it’s unlikely Florida will do so unless forced to.

After long road to recovery, Napier happy for Hill

Prior to his injury, Jaydon Hill was in line to start at cornerback for Florida opposite Jason Marshall going into 2021.

Instead, he watched from the sidelines. It’s been a long road back.

The fourth-year redshirt sophomore has seen a decent amount of game action during his career, tallying five starts across 22 appearances. He’s recorded 25 tackles, 0.5 tackles for a loss and 10 passes defended.

Napier would be grateful to add him back to the mix in the secondary.

“I think Jaydon Hill’s made a lot of progress,” Napier said. “We expect him to potentially be available. Tomorrow will have a lot to do with that. He’s done a great job with his rehabilitation process. Is a guy that obviously been through some tough up-and-down moments from an injury perspective. So it’s great to see him out there participating and interacting with his teammates and have that smile on his face. This guy loves to play. More importantly he loves to be a part of a team and contribute to the team.”