Florida Gators injury report ahead of matchup with Kentucky
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The No. 12 Florida Gators came out of their 29-26 win over Utah relatively healthy but they will be without one starter this week against Kentucky. Long snapper Marco Ortiz was listed as “out” with an upper-body injury on the Gators’ depth chart.
Ortiz left Florida’s 29-26 win over Utah and didn’t return. Redshirt freshman Rocco Underwood was named Florida’s starting long snapper for Week 2 as a result. Ortiz earned the starting long snapping job out of camp in 2021 and played in every game. He started against Utah and recorded one tackle before leaving the contest. Underwood, a cousin to former Gators Johnny and Tommy Townsend, played in one game while earning a redshirt in 2021.
Ortiz was placed on the Patrick Mannelly Award Watch List, given the best long snapper in the FBS. The winner must snap on punts and kicks, and demonstrate a strong mentality, notable athleticism, as well as speed, accuracy, and consistency in their snaps.
Ortiz is one of 25 players and one of two from the SEC (Wesley Schelling, Vanderbilt) to earn the preseason recognition. Phil Steele also named him Preseason All-American Fourth Team and Phil Steele All-SEC First Team as he didn’t record a muffed snap all last year.
Top 10
- 1Breaking
AP Poll
Oregon Ducks take No. 1 spot in latest AP Top 25
- 2New
Coaches Poll
Top 25 coaches rankings released after Week 8
- 3
Georgia AD challenges SEC
Controversial overturn has Georgia still seeing red
- 4
Kirby Smart
UGA head coach calls out ESPN, officials
- 5
SEC admits mistake
SEC releases statement on reversed PI
Jaydon Hill returned to practice
There was positive news on Wednesday night. Florida cornerback Jaydon Hill was able to return to practice, per Billy Napier.
“We’re excited that Jaydon Hill has actually started doing some things in practice this week,” Napier said of Hill. “[We’re] anticipating getting him back pretty soon.”
Hill appeared in every game in 2020 but missed the 2021 season with a torn ACL. As a sophomore, he appeared in all 12 games and recorded five starts. Hill was slated to start alongside Kaiir Elam in 2021 prior to injuring his ACL. He had not been participating in fall camp prior to this week.
Florida started Jason Marshall and Avery Helm at cornerback last week against Utah.
Full Florida Gators injury report vs Kentucky
These players were listed as “out” on Florida’s depth chart
Tight end Arlis Boardingham (upper body)
Cornerback Jaydon Hill (lower body)
Quarterback Jack Miller III (upper body thumb surgery)
Offensive lineman David Conner (upper body – thumb surgery)
Long snapper Marco Ortiz (upper body)
![A touchdown is celebrated with fireworks in the first half at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, September 17, 2022. [Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun] Ncaa Football Florida Gators Vs Usf Bulls](https://on3static.com/cdn-cgi/image/height=215,width=393,quality=90,fit=cover,gravity=0.5x0.5/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2023/08/27214921/Untitled-design-4-4.png)
