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Gators suspend starting DT Jeramiah McCloud for Oklahoma game
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- Gators suspend starting DT Jeramiah McCloud for Oklahoma game
(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)
GAINESVILLE — Florida starting defensive tackle Jeramiah McCloud will be suspended for the Oklahoma game for conduct detrimental to the team, the team said in a statement Wednesday.
The status of McCloud, who is listed as out on the SEC's intitial availability report, will be re-evaluated after Saturday night's contest. A 6-foot-3, 294-pound sophomore from Georgia, McCloud has started five of eight games for the No. 24 Gators (5-3, 3-3 SEC) and has 22 tackles, second to senior Brendan Bett's 23, a team-high six quarterback hurries and three pass break-ups, tied for the team lead.
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Bett, sophomore Joseph Mbatchou, senior Jamari Lyons and freshman Stive-Bentley Keumajou-Yondui are expected to line up at tackle against the Sooners (4-4, 2-3) in the Swamp.
Meanwhile, sophomore receiver Vernell Brown III is on track to miss his fifth straight game with a right knee injury after he was listed as doubtful. After Brown aggravated the injury during practice last Wednesday, his knee was drained Thursday. On Monday, medical staff performed a platelet-rich plasma procedure to try to accelerate healing.
Receiver Bailey Stockton has filled the void , but he's listed as questionable after he led the Gators with eight receptions for 76 yards, including 41 after catch, and had 31 yards on two punt returns during last weekend's loss to Georgia.
Also questionable is defensive end Emmanuel Oyebadejo, who has started four of the past five games and whose 4.5 sacks are tied for the team lead with Jayden Woods. The 6-foot-6, 303-pound Jacksonville State transfer also has five QB hurries and three pass break-ups.
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Three Gators other than McCloud are listed as out against Oklahoma, including starting right tackle Emekga Ugori. Senior Caden Jones, who started 10 games in 2025, will replace him. Tight end Evan Chieca also will not play against the Sooners.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
