Jahlil Florence Back at Practice, Updates Recovery Status

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dale Bliss | Last updated Dec 27, 2024 10:54 PM ET

Jahlil Florence used the most hopeful three words in injury recovery Friday night in discussing the timetable for his return to the lineup on social media: "Soon, soon, soon."

Florence started nine games for the Ducks at cornerback in 2023, but he hasn't played since injuring his knee against Washington in the 9th game of the year last season. In the 15-minute media availability at practice Friday morning he was a full participant in drills and wearing cleats, not trainers, although it was a noncontact period.

A Polynesian Bowl All-Star and four-star recruit, the 6-1, 190-pound junior can use a redshirt this season while remaining a junior next year. Under current NCAA rules, any playoff games he might take the field for won't count against his eligibility clock.

Florence is a fast and smooth, one of the best cover guys on the Oregon roster when fully healthy. He ran 10.77 100 meters at Lincoln High School as a junior. In his abbreviated 2023 campaign he chipped in 27 tackles, an interception and a sack.

Having him back for all or part of the playoffs would be a boon for the Ducks chances, particularly when facing the fast, deep receiver rotations of Ohio State or Texas.

Veteran Duck beat writer Zachary Neel alertly snapped a picture of Jahlil back at practice this morning, wearing his familiar number 6.

Oregon CB Jahlil Florence at the Ducks Rose Bowl practice on Friday morning. He was going through drills during the open portion of practice. pic.twitter.com/EDFrvyipGi
— Zachary Neel (@zacharycneel) December 27, 2024

Florence is versatile too. He has the size and physicality to play Nickel, Star or Corner. He knows all three positions, which makes him more valuable as a veteran who knows the system. He's a smart player with the ability to communicate under pressure. "Soon, soon, soon" is exactly what the Ducks need.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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