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Florida Gators will be without three defensive starters against Arkansas

Untitled designby:Nick de la Torre•11/04/23•

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Florida defensive lineman Tyreak Sapp (94) celebrates after sacking Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) during a football game between Tennessee and Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators will be without three starters on defense Saturday afternoon against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Starting linebacker Shemar James (knee), defensive tackle Cam Jackson, and defensive lineman Tyreak Sapp will all be sidelined against the Hogs.

Jackson and Sapp were both seen on the field in street clothes as the rest of the team warmed up for the game.

James suffered a knee injury against Georgia and underwent season-ending surgery the Monday after the game.

“I think Shemar has been outstanding,” Florida coach Billy Napier said. “He’s our leading tackler. More than that, Shemar, he’s a great example. His practice habits, his character. He’s developed a voice. You know, that’s something that I think, in particular as of late, he really was getting comfortable from a leadership standpoint of being vocal.

“So that’s the unfortunate part. But you know, I think sometimes, if you have the right perspective, injuries can — in the long-term, you may not realize it in the middle of it. But he’s been outstanding. We knew he was a good player upon arrival, but he’s shown it this year.”

Both Jackson and Sapp were listed as “questionable” with upper body injuries on the depth chart released Wednesday night

Napier discussed the players who will need to step up if they can’t play Saturday.

“I think we’ve spread those reps out with a group of players. You’re going to see Kelby Collins more often, you’ll see Jack Pyburn more often (at defensive end). You’re going to see Jamari [Lyons] more often, Chris McClellan more often,” Napier said.

“So, all the guys that have been playing will continue to play. They’ll just play a little bit more. And let me tell you, them guys, they’re flying around out there because they know their role is going to increase and they’re excited about it. So, I think ultimately, sometimes that can be a good thing.”

Florida opened as a 6.5-point favorite but the line has dropped all the way to -3 since the news of James’ injury on Wednesday. Florida will need to rely on their younger defensive players to make up for the loss of three key starters.

Florida Gators vs Arkansas Razorbacks

Date: Saturday, Nov. 5
Time: Noon
Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (88,548), Gainesville, Florida
Channel: ESPN
Radio: ESPN Gainesville – WRUF | The Varsity Network | SiriusXM 136 or 201 | SiriusXM App
Streaming: WatchESPN

On The Call:
Play-by-Play: Roy Philpott
Analyst: Roddy Jones
Reporter: Taylor McGregor

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