Florida will be without starting defensive tackle Jeramiah McCloud against Oklahoma on Saturday after the sophomore was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team.
McCloud was among four Gators listed as out on Wednesday's initial SEC availability report. The program confirmed his suspension in a statement, according to The Associated Press.
"Jeramiah McCloud has been suspended for this week's game against Oklahoma for conduct detrimental to the team. His status with the program will be re-evaluated after this week's contest," the statement read.
Sources told Zach Abolverdi of Gators Online that McCloud did not break any laws or team rules. The specific circumstances surrounding his suspension have not been disclosed.
McCloud's absence creates
another challenge for Florida's defensive front as the Gators prepare to host the Sooners following a 27-8 loss to Georgia.
Senior defensive lineman DK Kalu and fifth-year defensive lineman Jamari Lyons are among the primary candidates to replace McCloud. Kalu started two of the three games McCloud did not start this season — against Florida Atlantic and Texas — while Lyons started against Missouri.
Kalu has earned a 70.4 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus across 167 snaps this season, including a team-leading 78.7 run-defense grade among Florida's defensive linemen. McCloud, meanwhile, carries a 66.2 overall grade and a 72.4 run-defense grade across 298 snaps. Lyons has a 59.7 overall defensive grade through 127 snaps.
Sophomore Joseph Mbatchou could also see additional playing time after logging a season-high 39 snaps against Georgia. Mbatchou has a 60.5 overall defensive grade across 118 snaps, while starting nose tackle Brendan Bett (65.5) offers further flexibility because he can shift to defensive tackle, potentially allowing Mbatchou to take more snaps at nose tackle.
McCloud is not the only starter Florida will be missing against Oklahoma. Offensive tackle Emeka Ugorji was also listed as out Wednesday, along with tight end Evan Chieca and linebacker Jaden Robinson.
Wide receiver Vernell Brown III was listed as doubtful and is "unlikely to play," per reports, while receiver Bailey Stockton and defensive lineman Emmanuel Oyebadejo were questionable. Both Stockton and Oyebadejo played last week despite being game-time decisions.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida suspends starting DT Jeramiah McCloud for Oklahoma game
