Shemar James, a sophomore linebacker, had season-ending knee surgery on Wednesday and will miss the remainder of the campaign.
During his news conference after practice on Wednesday night, Gators head coach Billy Napier revealed the loss of James, referring to the injury as a “kneecap dislocation.”
James stumbled on the grass at EverBank Stadium on Saturday during pregame warm-ups in Jacksonville, injuring his knee. Wearing a brace on his left knee, he participated in Florida’s 43–20 defeat.
The similar issue “happened to him in high school,” according to Napier, who stated on Wednesday that James will be prepared for spring practice in four months. Comparing the injury to a dislocation of the shoulder, Napier gave comfort that it “won’t be a major factor long term for him.”
This season, James has served as the Gators defense’s main man. With 55 tackles in eight games, the team’s sophomore middle linebacker is in first place.
Napier mentioned that in addition to James’s physical presence, “Shemar is a great example” and that he has kept growing as a leader in the locker room. The linebacker group will “lean on Scooby (Williams) and Teradja (Mitchell) on that leadership and communication component,” according to Napier, if James is not playing.
At the news conference on Wednesday, Williams spoke after Napier and discussed the passing of James, who signed with Florida in 2022 after attending the Faith Academy in Mobile, Alabama.
“Seeing a guy you prepared for the season with go down is tough, but that’s what our guys are for,” redshirt sophomore Williams said. He also mentioned that James left “big shoes to fill.”
Maintaining a focus on developing depth at every position, Napier feels that James’s exit “presents a great opportunity” for other players. In addition to anticipating greater output from Williams and Mitchell, Napier mentioned that freshmen Jaden Robinson “has shown a lot of promise” and that seniors Derek Wingo and Mannie Nunnery may provide experience.
“Mannie is one of those guys who can cover, drop back, rush the passer, just do what the defensive coordinator tells you to do,” Williams stated.
The Gators want to help James in his off-field recuperation as much as they want to replace his on-field output.
Kamryn Waites, an offensive lineman who just made a full recovery from an Achilles tear sustained in January, said James must “trust the process [and] stay positive.” Waites also mentioned how having a supporting network around you helps with the healing process.
“I know it can be challenging but that’s what we’re here for as a team, as his friends, and as a family,” Williams said, expressing her opinion that James has “handled it well.”
