If coach Will Muschamp had his way, Rod Johnson would not see the field this year.
“That’s the plan,” Muschamp said on the Southeastern Conference Coaches Media Teleconference on Wednesday.
The Gators coaching staff wants to redshirt the freshman offensive lineman, but with the No. 18 Gators (1-1) suffering numerous injuries on the offensive line, Muschamp may need to play the Delray Beach native this year.
The 6-foot-5, 316-pound offensive lineman came to Florida with a pre-existing meniscus injury from high school and missed preseason camp. Muschamp said Wednesday that Johnson would begin contact drills Monday.
“He’s missed through August camp and now we’re two weeks into the season,” Muschamp said. “He’d be hard-pressed (to play now).”
Johnson came to Florida as a three-star recruit out of Delray Beach American Heritage High as one of five offensive linemen in a 29-player class. The only new lineman to see game action so far is JUCO transfer Trenton Brown, who has two years of experience at Georgia Military College under his belt.
“Right now, [Johnson] would be a redshirt guy,” Muschamp said.
But injuries might force Johnson into action.
Before the season began, redshirt senior Jon Halapio suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle, and junior Chaz Green suffered a torn labrum. Halapio is scheduled to return to the field when Florida plays Tennessee (2-0) on Sept. 21, but Green is out for the season.
The injury bug did not stop biting once the season began – sophomore D.J. Humphries (knee) and junior Tyler Moore (ankle) have both suffered injuries since the season began.
Despite the injuries, Muschamp said he is confident in the team’s depth right now.
“We have enough depth where we are on the offensive line,” he said, “even though we had to re-shuffle things obviously last Saturday.”
The Gators have a week off before they face the Volunteers, which should provide time for the team to get back into playing condition.
“You’d like to go play tomorrow,” Muschamp said after Florida lost to No. 15 Miami on Saturday.
“But we certainly need a little time to get these guys back and hopefully get Jon Halapio back — seems like we will for Tennessee — and get some guys healthy as we move into the SEC.”
Follow Adam Lichtenstein on Twitter @ALichtenstein24.
Junior tight ends Tevin Westbrook (87) and Clay Burton (88) block Miami defenders during Florida’s 21-16 loss to Miami on Saturday in Sun Life Stadium. UF has three offensive linemen dealing with injuries.
