GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- True freshman cornerback J.C. Jackson will miss the rest of the season.
Florida coach Will Muschamp announced Wednesday that Jackson will undergo shoulder surgery next week to repair a labrum injury that limited him in contact drills during fall camp.
Jackson played in the season opener but did not record a tackle.
"A labrum issue he had in high school that was repaired and continued to slip out," Muschamp said. "He possibly could continue to push through the season, but we felt with his young age, go ahead and try and get it fixed and move on."
A 5-foot-10, 196-pound product of Immokalee High, Jackson arrived as part of a deep and talented freshman class of defensive backs. Jackson, Jalen Tabor, Quincy Wilson and Duke Dawson all played in Florida's 65-0 win over Eastern Michigan.
The Gators were impressed by Jackson's physical presence at corner and expected him to contribute.
"A guy who certainly was going to help on special teams and at corner," Muschamp said. "He's going to be an outstanding player. Disappointed for him, but we've got to move forward."
While Jackson's loss is disappointing for the Gators, they have good depth in the secondary and expect to have safety Marcus Maye (hamstring) back against Kentucky on Saturday.
