2023 Florida Football Position Preview: Offensive Line (Tackles)

Florida lost both of its starting offensive tackles from 2022 over the offseason, but Billy Napier hit the transfer portal to find some depth on the line.

Florida’s offensive line a season ago was a force to be reckoned with. Anchored by O’Cyrus Torrence and Richard Gouraige, both of whom are now in the NFL, the Gators’ big men carved a path for the running backs and kept Anthony Richardson safe all year long.

Returning just one starter in 2023, Florida is hoping to replicate some of the same magic it saw in the trenches last season. We’ll take a look at the tackles on the team today and get to know the players replacing Gouraige, who started all 13 games at left tackle, and Michael Tarquin, who transferred to Southern California over the offseason.

Here’s a look at all of the offensive tackles on Florida’s 2023 fall roster.

Florida transfer offensive tackle returns to practice

After a car accident sidelined Lyndell Hudson for two weeks, the offensive tackle transfer from FIU is back on the field for fall camp.

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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Florida transfer OL going through concussion protocol

One of Florida’s new offensive lineman was put into concussion protocol after a car accident, per reports.

Florida offensive lineman [autotag]Lyndell Hudson Jr[/autotag]. was noticeably absent from two days of Florida’s fall training camp, and now we know why. Hudson was involved in a minor car accident, according to All Gators.

Hudson has entered the team’s concussion protocol, explaining his absence from training camp this week. A 25-game starter for FIU over four years, Hudson has the experience to be an active piece in Florida’s offensive line rotation, but missing fall camp could lead to him falling behind. It all depends on how much time he misses.

Napier confirmed the injury on Thursday during a press conference.

The rest of Florida’s offensive line appears relatively healthy. Micah Mazzccua is the only other lineman on the injured list, and he’s been observed at practice in a non-contact jersey.

Mazzccua had shoulder surgery during spring camp. There’s no official update on his timeline, but participating in position drills is a good sign.

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