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Kamryn Waites returns to practice with Florida Gators

Untitled designby:Nick de la Torre•08/08/23•

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Florida Gators offensive lineman Kamryn Waites
Florida Gators offensive lineman Kamryn Waites. (Photo courtesy of UAA Communications)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Kamryn Waites was back on the practice field Tuesday afternoon. Waites suffered an Achilles injury that required surgery prior to spring camp. Waites was in a non-contact jersey and working off to the side with junior offensive lineman Richie Leonard and defensive lineman Andre Morris.

Billy Napier has not given a clear or concrete timetable for Waites to be able to return to action.

“Kam’s doing really well. We anticipate him being available at some point during the season,” Billy Napier said at SEC Media Days. “Really pleased with that and I think he’s ahead of schedule a little bit. That process has went really well.

“Again, that’s a guy who we think has a bright future. Hopefully, we get him in a position where he can take some reps at the end of the year.” 

Waites being able to play would give Florida depth on the offensive line. Micah Mazzccua, the projected starter at left guard, is still in a non-contact jersey after undergoing shoulder surgery in the spring. The injury to Mazzccua has allowed true freshman Knijeah Harris to get reps with the first team. Harris has taken full advantage of the extra reps and opportunity.

“Football comes easy to him. He looks like he’s been around here three or four years, and he’s a freshman,” offensive coordinator Rob Sale said of Harris. “Everybody, it kind of gets them a little bit different, different times. Some kind of need more reps, some kind of get the concept, okay, I get it. But he’s a guy that is a good teammate, good person, obviously a good player.”

Kamryn Waites brings versatility to the offensive line

As a freshman in 2021, Waites saw action in three games while earning a redshirt. He made his collegiate debut against Texas State and then appeared in both of UL’s postseason games.

When Napier took the head coaching job at Florida, Waites wasn’t far behind. He was the first of three Ragin Cajuns that would trade Lafayette for Gainesville.

He’s appeared in every game this season primarily on special teams. Waites was primarily working as a tackle but the Gators’ staff made a switch to guard in-season. An opportunity opened with All-American O’Cyrus Torrence declaring for the draft and skipping the Las Vegas Bowl, along with backup Richie Leonard being unavailable to play with an injury.

Waites will likely stick inside but he has the experience to play tackle and with Kiyaunta Goodwin’s departure prior to camp, Florida could use the depth.

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