Gators Center Kingsley Eguakun Announces Entry Into 2024 NFL Draft

The farewell post confirmed suspicions regarding his move to the pros after he recently accepted an invitation to participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas, on Feb. 1.

The outgoing redshirt junior departs from the University of Florida having starting at center in 30 contests since 2021, notching 26 consecutive starts between 2021 and 2022.

Heading into Billy Napier’s second year at the helm, Eguakun served as the lone returning starter for the unit, expected to provide a veteran presence to the vastly reconfigured lineup as it aimed to maintain the offense’s success on the ground.

However, missing a large portion of the 2023 campaign due to a right ankle injury suffered ahead of Florida’s season debut against the Utah Utes in Salt Lake City, he was unable to do so.

After being sidelined for the first two contests, the Jacksonville, Fla., native return to the field in Week 3 for Florida’s upset victory over the Tennessee Volunteers in the Swamp. However, he tweaked the preexisting hurt during the win, resulting in further absences moving forward.

Eguakun appeared in just four of the Gators 12 games as a result, starting at center against Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and Arkansas. He spent the final two contest of the year as a backup.

Eguakun has logged 1,993 offensive snaps with 1,046 as a pass protector and 947 as a run blocker in five years with the program. All but nine of those reps were at center.

Pro Football Focus credits Eguakun for allowing only one sack in his college career, showcasing his notable upside as a pass protector despite his undersized stature.

Florida — as it searches for more continuity and consistency upfront — will likely lean on rising redshirt junior Jake Slaughter to control center duties in the ensuing campaign as he did in relief of the veteran Eguakun throughout a tumultuous 2023 season.