Austin Barber making first career start for Gators against USF
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For the second time in three games, the Gators will have a new starter at right tackle Saturday.
Redshirt freshman Austin Barber makes his first career start vs. USF in place of Michael Tarquin, who is out with a lower leg injury. Tarquin was hurt against Kentucky and Barber came off the bench in that game, playing 51 snaps after just seven in the season opener.
“Austin stepped up big time. I knew he was the guy for that,” starting left tackle Richard Gouraige said of Barder. “I just had no doubt that he was ready to play this game. I’m just glad that he contributed a great way.”
The 6-foot-6, 312-pound Barber appeared in three games last year as a true freshman, making his collegiate debut against Samford and also seeing action in the regular season finale with Florida State and in the Gasparilla Bowl vs. UCF.
Barber impressed the new coaching staff in spring ball and received first-team reps during fall training camp. Now he’s one of the starters.
“I’m comfortable with Austin when he’s in the game,” UF center Kingsley Eguakun said. “I think he’s developed a lot over the spring and summer. He’s matured a lot. He’s learned the playbook real well and he’s got his technique down.
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“I’m real comfortable with Austin Barber in the game with me. And I think he did his job and did what he was supposed to do. First time really out there, so I think he’s going to do well when we need him.”
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