Terrible break for Florida offensive lineman Kamryn Waites. (Photo credit: Florida Gators)
It’s a good thing Billy Napier has placed such a heavy emphasis on the offensive line in his attack on the transfer portal, because one of the few returning pieces up front for the Gators is now likely out for the year.
Redshirt freshman offensive lineman Kamryn Waites, who began his career at Louisiana with Napier before transferring over to Florida, has torn his Achilles tendon, per multiple reports. Typically, this type of injury takes a full year, if not very close to it, to fully recover from. This means that, in all likelihood, Waites will not participate for Florida in 2023.
The injury took place during a non-contact offseason workout.
It’s a tough break for Kamryn Waites. Waites was projected to start for the Gators in 2023 as most of the 2022 starting offensive line moved on, and in fact he got into some games on the offensive line toward the end of the season. He was one of three hand-picked transfers to come with Billy Napier from Louisiana to Florida, and it felt like he was next in line to play a big role.
It’s also a tough break for Florida’s offensive line as a whole, although Napier does seem to have built some depth there through the offseason. Napier imported Baylor guard Micah Mazzccua and Alabama tackle Damieon George, both of whom figure to start right away. Napier also landed a pair of highly-touted offensive linemen in Roderick Kearney (a flip from FSU) and Caden Jones from the high school ranks to go along with Knijeah Harris and Bryce Lovett for the 2023 recruiting class, though other than maybe Kearney, those are long-term solutions.
All the best to Kamryn Waites as he goes through the rehab and recovery process. Here’s hoping he recovers quickly and completely, and is able to go through the full offseason leading into the 2024 season.
