GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Sophomore linebacker Shemar James underwent season-ending knee surgery on Wednesday and will miss the rest of the season.
Gators head coach Billy Napier announced the loss of James during his press conference following Wednesday night’s practice, calling the injury a “kneecap dislocation.”
James hurt his knee during pregame warmups on Saturday in Jacksonville when he slipped on the turf at EverBank Stadium. He played in Florida’s 43-20 loss with a brace on his left knee.Napier said Wednesday that the same injury also “happened to him in high school,” and that James will be ready in four months for spring practice. Napier compared the injury to a shoulder dislocation and reassured that the injury “won’t be a major factor long term for him.”
James has been a focal point for the Gators defense this season. The sophomore middle linebacker leads the team with 55 tackles through eight games.
In addition to James’ physical presence, Napier noted that “Shemar is a great example” and that he has continued to develop as a leader within the locker room. Without James on the field, the linebacker group will “lean on Scooby (Williams) and Teradja (Mitchell) on that leadership and communication component,” Napier said.
Williams followed Napier at Wednesday’s press conference and spoke about the loss of James, who signed with Florida in 2022 out of the Faith Academy in Mobile, Ala.
“It’s tough seeing a guy you got ready for the season with [go down], but that’s what we got guys for,” said Williams, a redshirt sophomore. He added James leaves “big shoes to fill.”
Napier continues to emphasize the importance of building depth across all positions and believes that James’ departure “presents a great opportunity” for other players. As well as expecting increased production from Williams and Mitchell, Napier pointed out that juniors Derek Wingo and Mannie Nunnery can offer experience and that freshman Jaden Robinson “has showed a lot of promise.”
In fact, Williams had high praise for Nunnery, a transfer from Houston.
Williams called the redshirt junior a “freak of nature” and was impressed by his versatility.
“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 said.
While the Gators look to replace James’ on-field production, they also look to support his recovery process off the field.
Offensive lineman Kamryn Waites, who recently recovered from a torn Achilles suffered in January, stated that James needs to “trust the process [and] stay positive.” Waites also added that surrounding yourself with supportive people improves the recovery process.
Williams believes James has “handled it well” and said: “I know it can be challenging but that’s what we’re here for as a team, as his friends, and as a family.”
