Florida Gators center Kingsley Eguakun declares for NFL Draft

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Kingsley Eguakun has made it official: he’s declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. Florida’s redshirt junior center was expected to turn pro after he accepted an invitation to play in the 2024 East-West Shrine Bowl.

Eguakun started 26 consecutive games for the Gators before an injury-plagued season in 2023. He only made four starts and missed eight games with a lingering high-ankle sprain that he suffered in fall training camp.

Eguakun was out the first two weeks before making his season debut against Tennessee, sitting vs. Charlotte, starting at Kentucky, missing almost a month, returning against UGA and Arkansas and then shutting it down.

Eguakun still had one year of eligibility remaining as a sixth-year senior but decided to pursue his pro career. Prior to the Florida State game, he went through the Senior Day ceremony with Gators coach Billy Napier.

“I think it’s been tough on Kingsley. Ultimately getting banged in training camp … then Kingsley. showed some toughness earlier in the year. Played against Tennessee, had a setback. Tried to play at Kentucky. Never quite has been himself. I think a high ankle is a very complicated injury. I’m pleased he’s getting an opportunity to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl; that’s a big deal,” Napier said.

“Kingsley’s played a ton of football, close to 30 starts. This guy has resumé of film. He’ll get his opportunity at the next level. I think sometimes for players and coaches, injuries can be one of the more challenging things that you go through. But Kingsley has done a lot for the University of Florida and certainly it’s important for him to be a Gator. He’s got his degree. He’s getting his master’s degree. And certainly, he’s played a lot of good football for the Gators.”

Egaukun earned his bachelor’s degree in criminology in the fall of 2022. He was a member of Florida’s 2019 recruiting class from Jacksonville (Fla.) Sandalwood.

Egukun redshirted as a true freshman and was a reserve lineman in 2020 before taking over as Florida’s starting center for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

Kinglsey Eguakun’s message to Gator Nation

“My time at the University of Florida has been nothing short of amazing! Although this season didn’t go as planned I’m blessed to call myself a Gator Alumnus and will cherish the memories I’ve made forever! Gator Nation is second to nothing it’s been an honor sporting the orange and blue. I’m forever grateful.

“Most importantly, I would like to give all the glory to God for blessing me with the talent and opportunity to achieve my dreams and bringing me through the ups and downs of life. I would also like to thank everybody throughout my life that has played a role in me getting to this point, especially my family.

“Additionally, I would like to thank both Coach Mullen and his staff for giving me the chance to be a Gator and Coach Napier and his staff for allowing me to continue my journey! Finally, I would like to give a huge shoutout to my teammates for sticking through the adversity we’ve been through! And helping me grow over the years along this journey.

“With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft.”