Report: Florida's Cece Jefferson Undergoes 'Significant' Shoulder Surgery

University of Florida defensive end Cece Jefferson reportedly underwent shoulder surgery this week that will require a four-month recovery.

Robbie Andreu of the Gainesville Sun first reported the "significant" procedure on Wednesday night. Edward Aschoff of ESPN.com noted the lineman is expected back during the Gators' fall camp in August.

The program would not confirm the surgery, with new head coach Dan Mullen "reluctant" to provide information about injuries, per Andreu.

Jefferson decided to return for his senior season with Florida rather than enter the 2018 NFL draft. He suffered the shoulder injury during the team's spring game on Saturday.

The Florida native put together his best statistical season with the Gators in 2017. He racked up 47 total tackles and 4.5 sacks in 11 appearances.

He's struggled to reach the expectations that followed him to the program, though. The edge-rusher was a 5-star prospect and the No. 7 overall player in the 2015 recruiting class, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

While Jefferson hasn't played at that type of elite level so far in college, he's expected to take on an important role for the Gators during the upcoming season and could enjoy a breakout campaign.

The projected four-month timetable gives him enough leeway to recover in time for the team's season-opening clash with Charleston Southern on Sept. 1.