Bigger, better Roderick Kearney pushes for playing time on Florida’s O-Line

Roderick Kearney has yet to play a down for the Florida Gators but behind the scenes the redshirt freshman offensive lineman has impressed his coaches and teammates. And, they all seem to agree, his time is coming — and possibly soon.

“Rod has definitely improved,” Florida coach Billy Napier said Monday. “I think the defensive lineman would tell you he’s got great play strength, he’s crafty as a blocker, his ability to communicate and to play with technique.”

Kearney, the highest-ranked offensive line signee for Napier at Florida, was the No. 122 overall recruit and No. 6 interior linemen in the country for the On3 Industry coming out of Orange Park (Fla.) in 2023. With those lofty rankings came great expectations. But when Kearney arrived at Florida, neither his body nor his game was quite ready for Power 5 football.

“I think about where Rod’s at today compared to when he got here. He showed up at 265 pounds and now he weighs like 310 — and he looks great,” Napier said.

Roderick Kearney is being trained at multiple positions

Today, the 6-foot-4 Kearney is the backup center behind Jake Slaughter , a player many believe has all-conference potential. Meanwhile, Kearney also has cross trained at both guard spots in preseason camp, primarily on the right side. There, he has emerged as a legitimate option and potentially could start over Damieon George . At the very least, Kearney should get some reps with the starting offensive line this season.

“Rod last year, he knew he was probably going to come in and redshirt — he led those guys over there. You ask the defense, who is the guy that brought it every single day — it was Rod Kearney,” Florida offensive line coach Rob Sale said recently. “A leader leads, I don’t care if you are a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior, and that’s what he does. And now it’s just a transition where it’s time to go compete and get a starting job.”

Kearney doesn’t only have the attention of his coaches. Other members of the Florida offensive line, a close-knit group, also have been impressed by Kearney’s work ethic. And they see a different player now when compared to a year ago.

His teammates have taken notice

“Rod works hard,” Gators offensive tackle Austin Barber said. “I don’t know anybody who works as hard as him. He puts his head down and grinds. He does so much stuff and he’s deserving of the cross training. He’s put in the work and done a great job with everything.”

Added Slaughter: “I got to work out with Rod the entire back half of summer, and he is so fun to work with. He goes in everyday and all he wants to do is push. He’s just gotten so much better.”

For Kearney, the next logical step is to begin contributing on Saturdays. Those inside the program think it’s only a matter of time.

“Now it’s time to hopefully at some point get some game experience and learn what it’s like out there,” Napier said. “Rod is one of our leaders. Rod has incredible character in intangibles. He’s a worker and he has the ability to inspire and affect other people. He’s a guy who sets the tone around here.”

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