In recent days, it has been well documented that Florida Gators head coach Will Muschamp will be out of a job once the regular season has finished. Still, if Muschamp hopes to earn a job with another school, he must prove his worth over the final two contests instead of just mailing it in.
The Gators, however, will be without two key linebackers – Neiron Ball and Jarrad Davis, both of whom were injured during Saturday’s 23-20 loss to South Carolina and have since undergone surgery.
“Disappointed that Jarrad Davis had meniscus surgery this morning. He will be out for the season,” Muschamp said. “Neiron Ball had a meniscus surgery as well. He had to have a microfracture repair, so he’s going to be non-weight bearing for six weeks.”
Ball’s micro fracture injury ends an injury-plagued career filled with the what ifs that often times ruin careers. A starter in 2014, Ball, missed the entire 2011 season due to a very rare condition that causes the blood vessels in your brain to rupture. Nonetheless, Ball was able to return the field and become a major contributor for the Gators collecting 49 tackles in 2014, the second highest mark on the team.
On the other hand, Davis is used in primarily special teams and rotational situations, but has been able to contribute 23 additional tackles. Once healthy, Davis, just a sophomore, will have an excellent opportunity to compete for significant playing time next season.
Now, Muschamp must make do with the talent rich roster as the team hopes to knock of Eastern Kentucky before facing the top ranked Florida State Seminoles. A win for Muschamp in his final contest could salvage a poor tenure as Gators head coach. Florida was the last team to beat the arch rival Seminoles at the end of the 2012 season and could be the squad to ruin their chances at winning back-to-back National Championships.
*Section Photo credit to Frederick Breedon, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Kim Klement, USA Today Sports
