Billy Napier provides Devin Moore injury update after impressive freshman missed Missouri game

On3 imageby:On3 Staff Report10/10/22

The Florida defense is still trying to find more answers midway through the 2022 campaign, ranked 99th in total defense after six games. One of those answers had been a true freshman, but a Devin Moore injury prevented the talented freshman cornerback from suiting up in a 24-17 win over Missouri.

The Tigers threw for 220 yards with Moore out, while converting nine third-down attempts.

“Got a little banged up late in practice on Wednesday,” coach Billy Napier explained Monday. “Nothing major there. He’ll be kind of a work in progress this week, but re-aggravated an injury from the past and one that made him unavailable for the game.”

Moore had played extensively in each of Florida’s previous five games.

He had tallied six tackles while proving to be one of the more difficult targets to throw at in a secondary that has been picked on at times. The Gators are allowing 226.8 yards per game through the air, good for only 63rd nationally.

Devin Moore injury not feared to be serious

The good news for the Gators is that Devin Moore’s injury doesn’t appear to be serious.

Florida should have him back in the fold sooner than later, which should help stabilize a defense that is still trying to find its footing under first-year coordinator Patrick Toney.

Saturday against Missouri was a step in the right direction in some regards, while it was a step back in others. The 370 yards allowed by Florida were a season low, but the Tigers also converted nine third-down attempts, a season-high against the Gators defense.

Moore has been solid enough in coverage so far that he likely could have helped Saturday.

A former four-star prospect, Moore was one of the first prospects Napier and his staff pursued in the 2022 class after taking the Florida job. Moore was rated as the No. 194 overall player in his class in the On3 Consensus Recruiting Rankings.