Florida Football: Where does Kiyaunta Goodwin’s departure leave the OL?

Florida football took to a hit this afternoon as news broke that Kiyaunta Goodwin has departed from the program.

According to Jacob Rudner of 247 Sports, Goodwin’s mother has been diagnosed with cancer. The plan is for him to apply for an NCAA family hardship waiver and transfer to a school closer to home in Louisville.

With Goodwin now gone due to the situation, where does this leave the offensive line for the Gators?

Florida Football: Offensive line depth

Goodwin transferred in from Kentucky this past offseason and was expected to be in the mix for a starting tackle spot, competing against Damieon George and Austin Barber.

George transferred in from Alabama, while Barber appeared in all 13 games last year and started in five.

On the surface, Goodwin’s departure won’t impact the starting lineup on August 31 when it takes on Utah. Goodwin was on the second-team offensive line during the Spring Game and was probably going to be a backup for the 2023 season.

The problem is that the depth chart at tackle is now incredibly thin. Combined with offseason injuries to Kamryn Waites and Micah Mazzccua, Florida’s number one question mark heading into the 2023 season is the offensive line.

Right now, we will realistically see a starting line of:

• Austin Barber
• Knijeah Harris
• Kingsley Eguakun
• Richie Leonard IV
• Damieon George

Eguakun didn’t play in the Spring Game, and the hope is that Mazzccua can get healthy and slide into one of the guard spots. Billy Napier said at SEC Media Days that he is still proceeding on schedule but is still not cleared.

Goodwin leaving is a hit to the unit. If Barber and George stay healthy all season, it is one that Florida can overcome. But all it takes is one play getting rolled up on, and the Gators will be faced with some serious questions and may not have the answers to solve them going forward.