Jim McElwain wasn’t exactly exaggerating late last month when he lamented an “insufficient” cupboard left for him by the previous regime, especially when it comes to the offensive line. Unfortunately for the new Florida head coach, the situation’s only gotten worse.
Monday, McElwain confirmed that his Gator line had taken “a pretty big blow” as right tackle Roderick Johnson is out indefinitely with a stinger-type injury. It also appears there was a previous issue in his shoulder which could compound the situation.
"[Johnson] kind of went down and got banged up a little bit,” McElwain said. “We’ve got to check on some pre-existing injury-type of stuff there to see where he’s going to be at, but he’s definitely [out] until we have more information on it.”
The Gators entered spring practice with just seven healthy scholarship linemen; as they get set to exit with the spring game this Saturday, they are down to just six with Johnson’s issue. Johnson was the only one of the seven who has started a game at the collegiate level.
As a redshirt freshman last season, Johnson started three of the 12 games in which he played.