Florida head coach Billy Napier brought in former FIU offensive tackle [autotag]Lyndell Hudson[/autotag] to help add some depth to the Gators tackle pool, but a car accident that took place last month has kept him sidelined during UF’s fall training camp.
Hudson, a 25-game starter for the Panthers over five seasons, returned to practice on Sunday, according to Swamp247. Despite being one of the rare mid-year signees on the team and the injury setback, Hudson is the favorite to take over the reserve tackle spot in the offensive line rotation.
Austin Barber and Dameion George are set to man the left and right ends of the trenches, respectively, but Hudson should see plenty of playing time, assuming he catches up to speed.
For Napier, there’s little doubt that Hudson will hit the ground running. That’s one of the reasons he was brought in anyway.
“He’s an experienced player with traits,” Napier said. “We’ve had success with Group of Five players who have experience and have been productive… He’s got tackle traits. He’s played a lot of football… So yeah, I think he brings some experience to the room and certainly creates competition at the tackle position.”
If Hudson isn’t ready to go in that reserve spot, redshirt sophomore Jordan Herman and freshman Bryce Lovett would be the next names on the depth chart. Hudson’s experience should make him a virtual lock for the spot, though.
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