Welcome to Gator Nation Kiyaunta Goodwin! (Photo from 247Sports)
Billy Napier may have just put the finishing touches on what has become an amazing offensive line haul.
The Florida Gators just got a massive offensive tackle transfer Kiyaunta Goodwin from the Kentucky Wildcats. Barely one month after initially entering the transfer portal, Goodwin pulled the trigger.
Billy Napier swore that he would load up in the trenches, and he sure is doing a lot to back that sentiment up this offseason.
This is the third addition along the offensive line via the transfer portal after the pickup of Micah Mezzccua (Baylor) and Damieon George (Alabama) this cycle. Goodwin is also the seventh overall addition to the Gators’ class of 2023 up front when you add players from the high school ranks, joining Caden Jones, Bryce Lovett, Knijeah Harris, and Roderick Kearney.
Kiyaunta Goodwin’s Background
Kiyaunta Goodwin initially went through the recruitment process just last year, in the class of 2022. He was actually Mark Stoops’ highest rated ever commitment as the 38th overall player, and finished the cycle just six spots shy of earning a five star rating. As a recruit, he was offered by Alabama, Texas A&M, Michigan, USC, Clemson, Georgia, Texas, Miami, LSU, Florida, Oklahoma, Penn State, Ohio State, and many, many more. As such, he came in highly touted and expected to contribute early on in his career.
Kiyaunta Goodwin did appear in all 12 regular season games as a freshman. However, much of this was on special teams as a blocker. He will come to Florida with three years of eligibility remaining and in search of a fresh start, and a chance to reinvent himself.
According to those close to him and his situation, Goodwin needs to get in better playing shape. Luckily, this is something that the Florida nutrition staff has experience in, having worked extensively with Desmond Watson.
Offensive Line Outlook After Kiyaunta Goodwin Commitment
In addition to Kiyaunta Goodwin, Rob Sale and Darnell Stapleton have plenty of options to plug and play along the offensive line. Just in the last month, they have added high school prospect Caden Jones and transfers Micah Mazzccua from Baylor and Damieon George from Alabama. There is also the expectation that early enrollee Roderick Kearney could be in the mix for significant playing time, especially in light of the unfortunate injury of Kam Waites last week.
Florida also returns starters Kingsley Eugukan and Austin Barber as well as veteran Richie Leonard. The key will be can the incoming prospects of the previous class begin to contribute so not just a consistent starting five can excel but a rotation of eight can thrive.
