Florida freshman linebacker Nick Smith reportedly suffers knee injury

Florida Gators freshman linebacker Nick Smith reportedly sustained an injury during a recent offseason workout. Smith was part of Florida’s 2017 recruiting class.

Ryan Young of SEC Country quotes Smith’s father, Fernando Smith, who explains that his son is scheduled to receive further testing to assess the injury, but that it is presently believed to be a tear to the meniscus. The elder Smith went on to describe that the younger Smith’s knee “gave out” during activity.

Smith is the second Gator to suffer an injury during the summer workouts that exist as a run-up to fall camp. However, it appears that his injury may not be as severe as the one that afflicted redshirt senior safety Marcell Harris, who is out for the season.

The former three-star prospect signed with the Gators this year after helping Dr. Phillips High School to the Florida Class 8A state championship game. He committed to UF shortly before National Signing Day.

Smith figured to see his way to playing time in Florida’s young linebacker corps. Though a group of sophomores which includes David Reese and Vosean Joseph have the leg up on the competition, there should be opportunities available in the rotation for other young faces.

Without a definitive diagnosis, it’s unclear how much time Smith will miss, but it seems unlikely that he will be active when Florida starts preseason camp in two weeks.