Terrible news from Gainesville as the Gators have lost one of the team’s most accomplished defenders before the season even begins. Florida announced Thursday that senior safety Marcell Harris tore his right Achilles tendon and is out for the season.

Harris played in all 13 games for the Gators last season and has made 37 career appearances during his Florida career. Harris led the team in tackles and contributed two interceptions as a junior. He registered a combined 95 tackles the last two seasons for the Gators.

Florida head coach Jim McElwain issued the following statement confirming the news.

“As a coach this is one of the hardest things you are faced with,” McElwain said in the statement. “Here is a kid who has made great personal growth during his time here and has really matured both on and off the field. It is tough to see a player invest so much in himself and his teammates and have this happen, but I do know that we will support him every step of the way as he works through this injury.”