Florida to be without leading tackler for remainder of 2023 season, per Billy Napier

Florida lost its leading tackler in Shemar James for the season, Billy Napier confirmed Wednesday at a press conference.

James’ season was ended by a dislocated kneecap during the Georgia game. Napier said that everything went well with James’ surgery and that it’s an opportunity for someone else to step up.

Mannie Nunnery is set to start in James’ place after the injury.

Billy Na[pier said LB Shemar James is done for the rest of the season with a kneecap dislocation. Underwent surgery today. Said it’s an opportunity for others to step up, Mannie Nunnery will start alongside James. #Gators

— KevinBrockwayGators (@KevinBrockwayG1) November 1, 2023

James had a career high in total tackles this season with 54. He also had 5.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack before the injury.

Nunnery is in his first season in Gainesville after transferring in from Houston. Nunnery has appeared in eight games so far with 12 total tackles.

The Gators could have used James in the last four games of the season as it will be a tough stretch of opponents. Florida plays Arkansas, LSU, Missouri, and Florida State to cap off the regular season.

The defense will miss a sure tackler like James. Florida and Arkansas kickoff at noon ET on ESPN2.