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Florida head coach Billy Napier along with linebacker Shemar James and receiver Elijhaha Badger met with the media Monday to talk about the win over Samford and the upcoming contest with Texas A&M.
BILLY NAPIER
BILLY NAPIER: Okay, a lot of good Saturday. Obviously different level of competition. We all understand that. But I think overall, the mindset and the attitude of the team I think was in a good place.
Ton of appreciation for the leadership the players showed, I think in particular the last few days of the week. Sometimes you play those games and you worry about your team and how they’re going to start.
I thought we were ready to play.
So rookie quarterback obviously making his first start. I think that we challenged all the players, every position group, to kind of raise their level of play and rally around him.
I think we did that, and certainly he did his part and had a heck of a day. A lot of good. I do think there are areas to clean up. We have to continue to become more efficient. We have to control the things that we can control. We have to continue to develop our team, right? Fundamentals have got to continue to improve. The communication was better, but I think there is another level out there.
And overall, we were fortunate we got to play a lot of players. We do have a bunch of young players that I think are talented enough to be a factor and make our team more challenging as we go throughout the season.
So SEC play starts this week. A&M and Coach Elko has a good football team. Has always done a really good job on defense. Extensive history of having a really salty unit there. This one is no different.
Very talented in all levels of defense. Couple marquee players in the front. The running back group is talented and the quarterback is n veteran player who has arm talent. They got a big group up front. They have height, length, and speed and good specialists, so they can do things on special teams that can cause problems for you.
This will challenge all parts of our team. It’s great to be back at home, and I know our players are anxious to get back out there and play again. Much like every week in our league, this will require us to be at our best.
Q. How does DJ’s performance and the element he brings to the offense change how you’re going to handle routes and things at practice? I doubt he was taking many first team reps for example before the Miami game.
BILLY NAPIER: Right. Well, I think our intention the entire time has been to play DJ in every game. He gets a little bit more experienced each week, and certainly for him to have the opportunity to be the starter, prepare with the ones and then go play, and the way he did that, the poise, composure, it shows that he’s ready to do what we intended to with him going forward.
So it’s a blessing to have two really good quarterbacks, and certainly one with a ton of experience and one without, but there is no doubt both these guys will make us harder to defend. We intend to use both of them.
Q. Have you had that situation as a head coach? Looking back, at least your seven years, but even maybe as an assistant where you had to kind of like manage some reps? Looks like Levi in 2018, like 500 yards passing, and that’s the most you had with a backup.
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, and that year Levi was a freshman and we played him, we made a commitment to play him a certain amount in every game. It proved beneficial because in year two, three, four he was the starter and we won a lot of football games.
So he was talented enough and different than a starter in year one at UL, and I think that he had presence about him and the ability to affect the team, inspire confidence and helping the team very similarly to the way DJ goes about it.
I think it’s a good comparison, and certainly I think we were committed to that. Not only because it was the best thing for that team, but also it was the best thing for the future of the team.
Q. You mentioned the game management piece for DJ, an area you want to see him make strides. How would you assess how he handled that Saturday, and is there another level you would like to see a little bit more out of him moving forward?
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, I think he did a good job in the two-minute before the half in terms of understanding the situation. Not a ton of stressful dynamics in terms of where the score was at, the third downs, some of the things that happened in the red area.
For the most part a lot of normal down concepts. We protected him well, both in five, six, seven man pro. Moved the pocket. He played pretty clean.
I do think coach to player helps in that regard. Overall he did his part. He was lights out in the Friday walk-through. Graham did a great job with him in the second half of the week. Had some walk-throughs with him himself I think at the hotel on Friday night.
It’s awesome to see those guys working together as teammates to help do what’s in the best interest of the team, so he was really sharp.
Q. Jadan Baugh real quick, just giving him other opportunities after that early recall fumble, what was your message to him after an unsavory play like that?
BILLY NAPIER: Well, it’s a simple fundamental. It’s what we call a stumble bump scenario, star drill. These are things that we drill sometimes daily during spring ball and training camp. It’s a situation where he’s off balance, guy puts his helmet on the ball, he’s got one hand on the ball, the wrist is below the elbow.
So he’s a young back. He is obviously talented. He did a good job in the game. He turned the ball over, right? So he has to learn how to play with those fundamentals in the heat of the competition.
But he has to keep his head up. He’s a young player. A lot of football in front of him. I think you saw the culture in that running back room when you saw all five of those guys go to him on the sideline.
I think that group, they’ve got a good healthy dynamic in that room. Coach Juluke is one of the best in the country at that position. He’ll be better for it. It’s probably good that it happened to him when there wasn’t necessarily a ton of consequence.
It’s important to him, and you can see that with his demeanor and how he approached the rest of the game.
Q. Is (indiscernible) actually cleared now?
BILLY NAPIER: I think there is one more step we have to go through. So I think today he’ll be — this is his noncontact practice and then we’ll have another punch list to go through there.
Q. Another year of coaching in the SEC. What do you think you learned from your first two years in the league, and how much do you present to your team also as a reset, that that’s a goal to chase?
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, every team can beat you; you can beat every team. I think the big thing is like every team has a handful of players, different positions, that are elite, that are mismatch issues that are unique. You have to neutralize those players, find the weak areas, try it attack those areas.
And ultimately you got to minimize error. The margin of error is really small and I think it’s important. You can’t give the other team anything. Got to make them earn everything, and certainly A&M hits that category. They have a bunch of explosive players. It’s a big, tall, long, fast, twitchy team that can create issues for you.
Q. The casual fan looks at how DJ played the other night and says, why is Graham still going to be at starter? Help us understand the thought process there.
BILLY NAPIER: Well, I think that there has been a lot of these dynamics over the years in terms of having a veteran player who is accomplished, had a good career, coming back in a leadership role. Then you have this young talent. We all knew he was very talented from the beginning of his recruitment.
So, look, we’re going to do what’s in the best interest of the team. I think both these players can make our team better. I think that’s what we intended to do. The great thing is there is a great relationship there, confidence, humility from both guys, and a healthy respect from the team and staff for both players.
Q. Do you think there is a benefit in playing DJ series or plays? How did you do that in 2018? Did you break it down?
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, yeah. Well, I think that’s where the gamesmanship is. I don’t want to put the playbook on the streets here, but ultimately the guy is one of our better players. We’re going to give him an opportunity to impact the game and contribute to the team.
That’s our intension.
Q. …what type of dynamic does that create in this matchup. His familiarity with you and yours him?
BILLY NAPIER: Well, first of all, I think Coach Bateman is a good football coach. He’s had a tremendous track record as a coordinator and you pair that with Coach Elko, the makeup of that staff, their identity as a defense. They’re very sound in what they do. I think they force you to execute, and I think they take away the easy stuff and then obviously defend the deep part of the field at the same time.
So a little bit of a chess match there. For the most part, good fundamental football matchups, much like I see every week in this league.
Q. How did DJ handle check downs Saturday knowing he’s coming into a game like this with Elko who is considered pretty much an elite playcaller on defense?
BILLY NAPIER: So, yeah, I would think that’s an area where I felt DJ, outside of a handful of plays, did a good job. I think he forced one into coverage. We ended up getting a DPI on the play, but I think there was an area there where he could continue through the progression.
For the most part he was clean. I think he had one mental error on the day. Forced one into coverage. You know, handful of things from a game management standpoint. For a rookie, overall good day.
Q. Did he exceed your expectation?
BILLY NAPIER: I was impressed with the vertical pass game. I thought he was very accurate down the field. Yeah, I mean, I think ultimately that’s probably the poise on Friday and then just his ability to throw completions, to do what he’s been coached to do, take what the defense gives him, and when given an opportunity to make an explosive, he was able to do that.
Credit the protection and the skill routes in getting open. I think we did it all well and the point of emphasis worked. Hey, look, rookie quarterback first start. Everybody has to raise their level of play around him, and I think we did that for the most part.
Q. How much will that play into the evaluation process going forward? Again, I think 14 plays of 30 or more all year, and Lagway had 6 on Saturday night.
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, I think there is something — all of this is part of the dynamic, right? I think if we played the Chicago Bears Saturday be a different story. That’s no insult to Samford.
Another poor choice of words there. So I guess what I would say is, look, I’m ecstatic. We have a good young player in the building. We all know he’s very talented, so I’m hopeful that he can do that on every stage against any opponent. That would be the hope.
Again, I go back to what I’ve always told you guys: got to play good around the quarterback. Got to protect him. Got to get open. Got to have balance. Got create a plan that they can execute.
We did that Saturday. We have to do that over and over and over the rest of the year.
Q. What element does Elihjah Badger bring to the offense?
BILLY NAPIER: Well, I think he’s getting more confident, comfortable in the system. I think just reality that he can do it. He’s made some plays. I think he’s getting into a little bit of a routine. Yeah, at receiver I think confidence is huge, right?
And then going back to work. I think Coach Gonzáles has done a good job. Billy G has done a great job detailing up his game. I think that was a big point of emphasis week one to week two with all receivers and tight ends. Just the precision and the detail and all the route running.
I thought it did. The he ran — sometimes at receiver you play 40 plays, you catch three balls, you run 16 routes. Are all 16 of those routes precise with detail? Did you get open? You may not have got open, but are you at the right step, depth? Ran a good quality route and I think he’s getting closer.
He has to continue to take a few more steps.
Q. How has Kelby Collins progressed at interior defensive lines, and what are some steps he can take to increase his usage and continue to thrive at that position?
BILLY NAPIER? Kelby is still young player. He got only playing time last year. He made the position move to F to end. I think that he’s getting used to playing in a position to where he’s getting doubles; fundamentals; the little things matter; playing with your hands; being able to anchor; transition into secondary rush. All those things matter.
I think he’s in the process of that development, so we’re hopeful he’ll continue to improve and get better and ultimately practice in a way that translates to the game.
Q. Assess the defense as a whole. Rough week one, but looked to be improved in week two. Just overall, schematics and communication, after watching the film, did that show up on tape as well?
BILLY NAPIER: I think it’s very similar to what we’ve discussed about all parts of our team. I think we’ll learn as we go. Again, I think the fundamentals are good. I think we were on the same page more often this past week. The communication was better. I think we ironed out a few wrinkles.
Ultimately I think we have the height, length, speed, and experience to have a good unit. We’ve got to defend the run. We’ve got to limit the explosives and then do a good job in the situations. Conversion downs, red area.
Again, I think we’ve got a chance to be a good unit as the season goes. We definitely need to improve for sure.
Q. Looking back at your career as an assistant and through head coach, have you had a quarterback with the kind of arm talent that DJ has had that you can compare to?
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, I think we’ve had a lot of good players. I think this guy, he can put you down there. There is no doubt. The accuracy is what impressed me.
You know, I think it’s one thing to be able to throw it. It’s another thing to be able to throw it into small windows in the vertical part of the field.
Yeah, I think pretty special. Obviously to do it multiple times in one game I think was good for the offense. We need that.
Q. Is there one you compare it that you had on your ball clubs?
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah. No, I mean, this guy is unique. Jalen Hurts was a runner. You know, maybe developed more as he went as a passer. Coker, we won a lot of games with him, McCarron. You know, Clemson we had Tajh Boyd, we had Charlie Whitehurst.
Anthony Richardson, I think he’s from a different planet. No, you saw that throw that he made Saturday. That’s a whole different world. Anthony is still a young football player, right? I believe that that guy, the more football he plays the more he’s going to make highlights like that every week.
So, yeah, Anthony Richardson can throw it. I’ve never seen a guy that can throw it like that. Look, let’s not get out in front of ourselves here. This is a team game. For us to go where we want to go we need every part of our team to continue to grow and develop and play their best football this week.
Q. Speaking of the players around the quarterback, you mentioned the competition along the offense line. Austin Barber can be in for a higher amount the snaps. The rotating against Samford, was that still in a desire to assess your options around the quarterback there?
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, I think we’re still trying to figure out what the best lineup is there. Look, we need to get better. That group has to play better. I think we took a step in the right direction. We practiced better.
Obviously the competition level was different, right? So this week we’ll face a huge challenge and that will be a big part of the game. Up front on offense can we answer the bell and show up and play a certain brand of football. When we have to protect, we have to do our job in that regard.
The offensive line needs to continue to grow and develop and improve as the season goes for sure.
Q. (No microphone.)
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, they’re all must-win at a place like this. Look, we welcome it. I welcome it. I think it’s part of the challenge. You come to a place like this to compete in this league. You dream of it.
So, yeah, you spend an entire off-season getting ready for it. I love every part of it, so bring it on. That’s part of the business. Part of the profession.
It’s what makes the week fun. We got practice today. We’re preparing to compete against another team. So that’s part of the leadership challenge and navigating some of those things on the outside. That’s part of it.
I think you got to know who you are independent of football. That’s key. I think you got to have a set of values and conviction you believe in, and you got to do your best for the team.
Ultimately that’s my responsibility, do the best job I can for the team.
Q. I know you address injuries on Wednesday, but how confident are you in some of the reserve defensive backs there?
BILLY NAPIER: Well, we’re hopeful to get a few guys back. I think that’s part of it. So obviously you know, I’m not commenting on injuries at the current point in time. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday night, then 90 minutes before the kick you’ll get an assessment where we are.
Hopefully get a couple guys back and have some depth there. We’ll have contingency plans, who’s the next best corner, safety, much like we did last week. Just might be a different guy this week.
Q. You mentioned DJ. Did you plan to use him against Miami and the game got out of hand? How do you prevent that for Texas A&M or do you say, hey we’re going to get him in early and get his feet wet in case something happens?
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, there were other things that contributed to kind of how this first half went, you know, in terms of DJ, but all that is secondary. Look, that’s in the past. This is a new week, new opponent. These what we’re focused on. We can’t do anything to change what’s happened in the past.
Got to spend all our energy on the current competition and game as we prepare this week.
Q. …added to the offensive game planning. I know he’s in the booth.
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, ton of experience. I think he has knowledge of this league, the coordinators in this league, the type of football that works in this league.
Yeah, just a great, great person. No ego. Has conviction. Will give you an opinion, say what he thinks. We all want that as leaders and coaches, and he certainly has done that.
Very accomplished if you look at his career. Been a head coach. Another good resource in the building. We’re thankful he’s here.
Q. Did he basically replace the role from…
BILLY NAPIER: That’s been a couple years ago. No, I mean, I think he was a guy that we had an opportunity to add to the staff. You know, much like a lot of those analysts across the country, they have different contract scenarios. Live nearby, and loves ball, wants to be a part of a staff and contribute to a team. I think Dan loves football. Loves being a part of a team.
We had some common relationships and it worked out.
Q. The fact that he had worked with Lefever, one of the great dual threat quarterbacks who ever played the game, did that play into hiring him?
BILLY NAPIER: Really just Dan’s expertise. He coached a lot of the great quarterbacks. Called a lot of good plays. I can remember when he was at Arkansas back in the day and they were a handful. There is some system carryover because he’s been in Alabama in the past. Just the overall year-round plan, how we do things, the familiarity there.
So he’s coached, just like you mentioned, there has been a lot of great ones. He’s done a good job. Made our staff better for sure.
Q. Obviously when Nick Saban speaks people listen. He kind of insinuated the culture here needs to improve. Is that off base, or do you think there is a little bit of validity to that?
BILLY NAPIER: I think big picture-wise, you know, I think that we need to experience some success on the field. I think ultimately, I would say that’s where we need to take the next step.
I think once we do that, much like any culture, it is — it’s being built until it gets established. Hey, it works, it’s working.
I think sometimes, yeah, ultimately we’re in year three and there is an effort to establish some expectations and culture. I think we’re closer. Ultimately winning helps kind of galvanize that in terms of belief and hope, players having success.
We’ve been close. I think ultimately that’s what we got to go.
Q. Jaydon Hill come backs. You didn’t have to coach against your former players back in the day, right? They transferred. You could block where they transferred. Is that part of it now, that you’re going to face guys that used to be on your roster? Etienne; Ole Miss has a few this year.
BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, we had a couple at Louisiana that we played against in the past; other schools, too. Just another day in college football, right? Used to be just coaches, now it’s players, too.
Look, it’s part of the dynamic. Happens in the NFL. Heck, probably happens more in high school football than college football or the NFL.
It’s every level of football. So it is what it is.
Q. Nick Saban said this before the Samford game now, but said he didn’t know that Florida had an elite quarterback or elite playmakers, what would you say to that?
BILLY NAPIER: Well, it’s to be determined. We got to go prove it. I think that’s who we are. We got to go prove it. We have a lot to prove, and certainly going to have every opportunity to do it.
This will be the next opportunity, Saturday at 3:30.
SHEMAR JAMES
Q. Talk about the defense’s performance on Saturday. I know after the first game you were pretty vocal about not feeling the whole thing. What do you think Saturday did for you guys?
SHEMAR JAMES: I feel like we made a big step. We took a big step going into week 2, no matter the opponent. I feel like we communicated better.
It was more 11 guys on the same page rather than the first week, and I was proud of my guys. I was proud of the way that we performed, the way that we responded coming into week 2. So I was happy with that.
Q. What were the changes in communication that just led to more success and you guys feeling more comfortable?
SHEMAR JAMES: Honestly just being more intentional, just using verbal and non-verbal communication. I would say just intentionality, just making sure that everybody has the call and double-check that they have the call as well.
Q. Shemar, you were a freshman playing right away. You played Utah, didn’t you?
SHEMAR JAMES: Yes, sir.
Q. What did you think about the way that DJ just handled getting thrown in the fire like that?
SHEMAR JAMES: That was impressive. I would say, no matter the opponent, he came out and had a big game, him and Tank Hawkins, Aidan Mizell, they all had great games. I was proud of him. Just watching DJ first come in and just seeing him grow by day by day, just learning the playbook and making certain checks to get the offense in a better situation.
I was just over there excited on the the sidelines, watching him throw touchdowns.
Q. With Tyreak, how has he set the tone these last two games?
SHEMAR JAMES: Sapp, he brings the energy. Whether it’s a walk through or a big game. Kind of feed off of Sapp sometimes. Sapp, he’s one of the core players on our defense. Without Sapp, I feel like we’d be lacking a key player.
Q. SEC opener, how much do you guys use this as a reset that there’s a championship to play for and this is the first step in that?
SHEMAR JAMES: Yes, sir, this is conference play. It kind of dictates where you go at the end of the year, and also winning out. This is a big game. It’s another game in The Swamp and another game that I feel like we should come out and get a victory in.
Q. You grew up in Mobile. Have these SEC games the last two years been everything you expected? What’s the competition like?
SHEMAR JAMES: It’s everything I expected and more. I expected to play some of the best guys, some of the best teams. Coming into the SEC, that’s what we expect.
I expect nothing else than Texas A&M to bring their best game. I want their best so we can be at our best.
Q. Scooby Williams and Jaydon Hill. What’s this matchup going to be like with those two a part of it?
SHEMAR JAMES: I told Webb a couple of minutes ago, if you see J-Hill or Scooby, just run at them. I don’t care if it’s a touchdown, run that way, run at ’em.
Those are my guys, but come Saturday, they’re opponents again. I wish them the best, and I wish Texas A&M the best.
Q. Obviously Coach Bateman is there as well. What did you think about losing him? Obviously he got to take a step up in his career, but do you get to show him something on Saturday?
SHEMAR JAMES: Yeah, that’s my guy. I say that’s my life coach. He’s been there since my freshman year, just helping me, guiding me in the right direction. I wish the best for Coach Bateman and his family. I just want to show him a little something something on Saturday.
Q. Does the ties between the two teams create a little bit more juice for the game?
SHEMAR JAMES: Most definitely, yes, sir.
Q. How much has Michai Boireau helped you guys this season, up the middle?
SHEMAR JAMES: He has brought in the talent, a bigger body up front to kind of help stop that run. He brings in the double teams, so let the linebackers play a little bit faster as well.
Q. You mentioned RJ at SEC media days, a guy who maybe flew under the radar moving from safety here. What has he done that’s impressed you, and how valuable is he to this linebacker rotation?
SHEMAR JAMES: RJ, he’s very smart. You can tell by the way he plays op the field. He plays a little bit faster than other guys. I would say just moving him to the linebacker room has helped the team a lot, helped the defense a lot. I’m just excited to see RJ grow throughout the year.
Q. How does the demeanor change in the locker room in an SEC game, and all of a sudden, now you’re going into conference play. Talk about how the demeanor changes in the locker room.
SHEMAR JAMES: Yes. This game just takes a little bit more. Speaking of the conference play, this is the kind of place you want to be at the end of the year. I would say everything needs to be just a tad bit more than the first two weeks. Just guys need to be more locked in, more focused in, and more vocal on getting this win on Saturday.
Q. What’s been the message about penalties? I know there’s a fine line. You want to play aggressive, but I guess there have been a few cross the line penalties you’ve had. How do you assess that going forward?
SHEMAR JAMES: Like you said, some of our penalties are being a little too aggressive. That’s kind of — it’s coachable, but that’s just guys that want to win, guys that’s just playing fast.
We’ve kind of got to tone it down a little bit, kind of stay away from those penalties so we can have a cleaner game and a cleaner defense as well.
Q. What did that game do for you guys’ confidence level, and how much do you kind of need a performance like that?
SHEMAR JAMES: Yes. It allowed us to reset against that first week against Miami. That kind of left a bad taste in our mouth, just them coming into The Swamp and beating us.
But going into week 2, going against Samford, it kind of, the message for that was kind of reset. It’s a new week, a new day. So just give it your all and go 110 percent.
Q. How much of the bad taste still lingers?
SHEMAR JAMES: It’s gone. That was week 1, and we’re going into week 3. Kind of leave the past in the past and prepare for Texas A&M.
Q. How is your relationship with Pup, as far as you talked about communication and just maybe somebody that came from another system, learning yours and learning to work off of each other?
SHEMAR JAMES: Yes, Pup has — he’s impressed me so far. Like you said, coming from South Carolina, coming here, and the communication has just been elite. We can fix some minor things, just like I said, double-check and make sure everybody has the call, but so far, he’s been great. He’s been a great mike linebacker, and he’s great for the team.
Q. Has he brought anything that you’re like, wow, I didn’t think of that or something? Man, I’m glad you’re here. Is there one moment where you were like, man, this is real?
SHEMAR JAMES: I would say he has — he communicates at an elite level, very elite level. He makes sure that everybody has a call in, and he alerts what’s about to come as well.
I’ll say he’s just a smart player, and that’s what you want from your mike linebacker, somebody that’s smart and vocal and can get everybody on the same page.
Q. Did you hear Tyreak talking about Gumbs?
SHEMAR JAMES: Yes, he called him an Avenger. I heard about that.
Q. He loves the guy. What have you seen from him? That was kind of a breakout performance from him. I don’t know that I was necessarily anticipating it.
SHEMAR JAMES: You know, when I first heard the news that Gumbs, this is his first couple years playing defense, I was kind of surprised as well. But Gumbs came in on Saturday and put on a show, like you seen.
He put on a show, and I expect him to get better and better as the year goes on. We’ve got SEC play this week, and I expect him to have a great game as well.
Q. What’s something that stands out? He talked about his physique and his physicality, but what stands out in terms of his skill set and things that he does? Whether it’s his bend or getting off line, what does he do that’s special?
SHEMAR JAMES: I would say that Gumbs, his motor is very high. His number is always going 99 percent or 100, 110. That’s what we need on defense, just guys that can’t be denied. Guys that’s always going to run to the ball and knock the ball down. I feel like that’s what we’ve got in Gumbs.
Q. I know it was only a few series, but what did you see from Myles Graham and Aaron Chiles out there?
SHEMAR JAMES: That’s my two young guys. Those guys, I’m excited for them. They’re still kind of learning it, learning how to play the game, learning just like the small steps in communication of the game.
I was proud of them. They were out there making plays, out there running around, getting guys lined up. I was once in their shoes one time. I had vets like Ventrell and Burney that was there to guide me along the way, but I’m excited for their growth.
Q. Is there anything you gave them feedback on during the game or after you guys went back to watch the tape?
SHEMAR JAMES: One thing I told Myles, it’s kind of like just be yourself. I told him act like you’re back at Buchholz making plays. I told Myles just be loose. Be yourself and just go out there and play football. You’ve been playing it for a long time.
Q. You guys did a good job flushing Miami from week 1 to week 2. Is there part of you that thinks it’s healthy to keep with you throughout the season, like that feeling of that loss or maybe a little piece of it?
SHEMAR JAMES: I would say yes and no. It depends on how you look at it. Yes, by knowing what that feels like and not wanting to feel that again, but no, kind of dwelling on it, I would say. I would say yes, just knowing that feeling, how it felt to kind of be beat and not let that happen again.
Q. What have you seen from Elijhah Badger in terms of just, once he gets the ball in his hands, what he’s able to do and create once he has it?
SHEMAR JAMES: Yes, Badge, he’s a playmaker, like you said. When he gets the ball in his hand, he’s taking it for a couple more yards. I’m excited for him.
He just had a big game on Saturday, so I expect him — I expect nothing but for him to get better and better each and every week.
Q. There’s already been references to all the young talent in Florida’s linebacker room this season. How have you and Derek and just some of the older guys, more experienced guys in that position, how have you adapted your mentality and just your approach to the season as you look to pass the torch?
SHEMAR JAMES: Yeah, that’s actually a great question. I would say we’re kind of taking this season week by week, day by day. We kind of just focus on each and every opponent because every week is a battle. That’s kind of what we asked for coming into SEC and especially being a Florida Gator.
I would say just taking everything week by week, kind of mentoring the young guys just in case like a guy goes down, they’re not a step behind. They’re right there with us.
I would say kind of just mentoring and just making sure that they’re getting in the same information that we are.
Q. We heard the goal before the season was three turnovers a game, which is a lot, but through two games, are you satisfied with that? How much do you want to create a little more going forward? And how important is that going to be going forward?
SHEMAR JAMES: Like I said, three turnovers a game, and that hasn’t happened yet. We’re trying to get there to have that standard on the defensive side of the ball. I feel like we can play a little better, take the ball away a little better, and kind of just be a better overall defense, I would say.
Yes, sir, I believe that we’re going to get better each and every week.
Q. What’s the feedback for you guys in coverage for the linebacker unit? How does this Texas A&M team challenge linebackers in coverage?
SHEMAR JAMES: Yeah, so this team that we’re playing coming this Saturday, they challenge us in a lot, just getting it back out fast. They have some tight ends that can get out and go run a couple routes. We’re kind of game planning for that today and the rest of the week. That’s just a question I have to answer later.
Q. How much of previous experiences against teams with good tight ends, like Utah you faced now twice. How much does that come into mind this week when you’re facing a team that does utilize that position a lot?
SHEMAR JAMES: Yes, sir. That’s just something we have to prepare for during the week, during the game plan, certain adjustments, certain coverages to kind of get us out in coverage, kind of help us over the top or wherever that may be, yes, sir.
Q. You guys have more experience at going against Florida’s offense than any other team obviously, two-quarterback system. In your mind, just how much more potent can that be rather than just solely going with one guy?
SHEMAR JAMES: Yeah, we got two great quarterbacks in Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway, pick your poison. Like they’re both great quarterbacks, and they both have great attributes within themselves. I feel like the team is — we’re happy to have either one of them.
Just having both is even more dangerous. So I’m excited for them.
Q. You’re the second guy to use that pick your poison line. Is that something you guys have discussed back at spring camp?
SHEMAR JAMES: No. I think we just think alike a little bit. That’s all, yes, sir.
Q. What do you think when DJ’s in there, and what do you think when Graham’s in there? How do you view them?
SHEMAR JAMES: There’s no worries for me when either Graham or DJ is in.
Q. What if you were facing them?
SHEMAR JAMES: If I was facing them? In practice, it’s like who’s back there right now? They’re both great quarterbacks, both great leaders, both great communicators. I feel like they just make — both of them make our offense better. I’m confident in both of them.
Yeah, that’s what I would say to that.
Q. When you poke your head up and see Lagway back there, what mindset do you have to get in?
SHEMAR JAMES: I would say just get ready to play ball. I would say that, yes, sir.
ELIJHAH BADGER
Q. You had a great performance. What kind of went into that and the progression to get to this point in the off-season?
ELIJHAH BADGER: I feel like having a great practice all week and having a great off-season just coming in, because me hurting my back last year, had a big part in me coming in playing hard, playing hard through this off-season.
So I just take every day at practice with a mindset just to come in and play hard.
Q. What about learning the offense? You came in kind of late obviously in the spring. What was that process like, and how much do you feel you have it down now?
ELIJHAH BADGER: Me coming in, I feel like it was going to be hard because me being at Arizona State since out of high school, I feel like it was going to be hard, but it was kind of easy. Me being a veteran, I feel like they kind of figured that I was going to know it easy, but I feel like me coming in, I kind of picked it up fast and easy.
Q. Was there like kind of studying during nights and stuff like that, where you were doing some cramming on it?
ELIJHAH BADGER: Yeah, there was a lot of study, coming in in the morning with coaches and trying to figure it out as quick as I can.
Q. Who helped you the most with the playbook?
ELIJHAH BADGER: G and Brandon. Brandon, the receiver.
Q. What was your first impression of DJ Lagway when you got here?
ELIJHAH BADGER: He’s a good dude, funny. He’s just a good dude and just funny.
Q. Have you ever played with anyone with an arm like that before?
ELIJHAH BADGER: Yeah, I have, but he got kind of hurt in the beginning of the season.
Q. What’s it been like for you having to play with so many different quarterbacks and trying to develop consistency? I think you’ve played with like eight different guys in the last three years.
ELIJHAH BADGER: It was kind of hard. As a receiver, I’ve got to depend on somebody else. But me just playing with, like you said, eight different quarterbacks, I just try to focus on making myself better throughout these years and just trying to play with anybody the best I can.
Q. Did last year kind of prepare you for a situation where you might catch passes from multiple guys? I think it was four quarterbacks last year at some point.
ELIJHAH BADGER: Yeah, I feel like you’ve just got to catch for anybody. When you leave to the NFL, you’re going to catch for whoever. You don’t know. I just feel like me as a receiver, I just go out there and play and catch whatever ball comes my way.
Q. It sounds like you put in a lot of research into where you were going to go, with your mom even. You identified Florida. What were the reasons?
ELIJHAH BADGER: Just a specific reason, I didn’t want to regret nothing. Just being at Arizona State for all four years, I didn’t want to regret nothing just leaving and coming into the portal.
Usually portal guys are not like — they’re in the portal for a reason, but I feel like my reason is a good reason. I feel like they just had a place for me, and just me coming on a visit, just the football community. I liked it. I loved it. My mom loved it also.
Q. Graham was part of that decision too, and then he didn’t play last week. How did he factor into it, and did you even know about DJ when you made the decision?
ELIJHAH BADGER: No, I didn’t know about DJ. I kept hearing everybody talk about this DJ kid. I didn’t know about him when he came in. So I had to meet him and figure him out in practice.
Yeah, Graham did help me a lot with the decision when I came down on my visit.
Q. Did you talk to Ricky at all during your visit?
ELIJHAH BADGER: Yeah, I did talk to Ricky. He sent me a text and just told me about the football community and how big of a stage it is and how he liked it when he came.
Q. What did he tell you about the program and wanting to know how you’d be developed and things like that?
ELIJHAH BADGER: Just like how he liked the receiver coach, Coach G, and just like how he came in and did what he did. He just told me I could do the same, man, just go in there and do my job.
Q. Florida developing him into a first round pick, did that kind of give you a proof of concept, something you could look at?
ELIJHAH BADGER: Yeah, for sure.
Q. You were a running back until 12, 14, something like that?
ELIJHAH BADGER: I was a running back until high school.
Q. How does that help play into your YAC ability?
ELIJHAH BADGER: I feel like people just can’t tackle me. I’m hard to go down. I never let the first person tackle me for real. I feel like I’ve got a running back mentality when I run the ball.
Q. We saw that on that 77-yard — did you count up how many guys had a shot on you like that?
ELIJHAH BADGER: Like five. Four failed, two of the same guys failed.
Q. Were you disappointed you didn’t get in the end zone on that one?
ELIJHAH BADGER: Yeah, I was trying to. I was for sure trying to.
Q. You had a few catches last week against Miami as well. Has that early success and the 77-yarder kind of given you confidence, do you think?
ELIJHAH BADGER: I feel like last week was just a little taste, what I did with a couple catches. I feel like that gave me a little confidence of what I can do.
Q. How was it catching a bomb in The Swamp?
ELIJHAH BADGER: It was dope. It got loud.
Q. Ricky talked about, when he transferred from Arizona State, the move to come to the SEC was almost like betting on himself to maybe come up a level in competition, things like that, and what that could do for him. Did that factor at all into coming to Florida and an SEC school as well?
ELIJHAH BADGER: I feel like it kind of puts a target on your back, but I feel like coming to the SEC, like all athletes are the same. I feel like whatever changes is just the trenches, inside the trenches, and that’s about it.
I feel like all athletes are kind of about the same everywhere.
Q. What’s your relationship with Coach Napier, and what did he sell you on in terms of like the opportunity to come here and so forth?
ELIJHAH BADGER: Just the big stage I can play on and just the teams we play and just my decision on coming here, he sold me on that.
Q. Coach Napier talked about the mental process of going out there and playing 40 plays and you may only be targeted a handful of times. How important is it to stay confident even when the ball is not coming your way a majority of the time?
ELIJHAH BADGER: Sometimes it’s kind of fun to play without the ball in your hands, kind of block for your teammates. I think it’s kind of fun. That’s just football. Everybody’s not going to get the ball every play.
Q. Billy G. is big on blocking here. What was that like for you to learn how much he emphasizes that and how much he cares about it?
ELIJHAH BADGER: You can tell he cares about it a lot (laughter). But it’s fun. I feel like everybody, all receivers aren’t blockers, like everybody aren’t blockers, so when he teaches it and emphasizes it, I feel like it makes the run game way more better for the second level.
Q. Does your running back background help you embrace blocking maybe more than most receivers?
ELIJHAH BADGER: Yeah, I think so. I think the aggressiveness and how I come down for blocking.
Q. How do you like Florida so far?
ELIJHAH BADGER: I like it. I like it a lot.
Q. Told us about you having to adjust to the humidity.
ELIJHAH BADGER: That’s probably the only thing. The heat don’t bother me. I came from Arizona State. It’s just the humid. I don’t know, I feel like I’m breathing water. That’s about it.
(Laughter).
Q. That Arizona heat, though, can cook your brain?
ELIJHAH BADGER: It’s like dry heat.
Q. It’s pretty hot.
ELIJHAH BADGER: Yeah.
Q. You didn’t come here with the starting job basically promised to you. You had to earn it, and there was a lot of competition. Did you know that coming in, or is that something you wanted or obviously didn’t shy away from?
ELIJHAH BADGER: Yeah, kind of. Coming in, I knew that, like I said, there was going to be a target on my back of me playing in the Pac-12 if I was going to be good or not. I don’t think none of that mattered.
Just me coming in with a mindset that just need to go in and play and do what I need to do, I feel like that’s going to be enough.
Q. What kind of camaraderie are you developing with the others in the room, like Tre Wilson and Dike and Marcus Burke and those guys?
ELIJHAH BADGER: I feel like we’re all building a relationship. We all help each other. It’s fun to play with those guys.
Q. Cam Ward was saying The Swamp — he didn’t think The Swamp was all that loud compared with some Pac-12 stadiums. What’s your take on that?
ELIJHAH BADGER: I don’t think he’s telling the truth.
(Laughter).
It’s way more. The Swamp is way louder. There wasn’t really no Pac-12 games that was really like that. Washington State wasn’t really like that either.
Q. Did you ever go to Berkeley?
ELIJHAH BADGER: Yeah, I went to Cal.
Q. It’s real quiet there.
ELIJHAH BADGER: Real quiet. Stanford real quiet. A whole bunch of teams real quiet in the Pac.
Q. He said Oregon and Washington.
ELIJHAH BADGER: Yeah, I feel like SEC is a more football community.
Q. I know it’s not your primary focus right now, but do you plan to reach out to some former teammates and ask them about Mississippi State next week?
ELIJHAH BADGER: No, I never ask them about it. I kind of go off the score, what it’s looking like.
Q. Which of the guys are you closest with on the team?
ELIJHAH BADGER: I’m kind of getting close to a lot of people. I’m close with Trell, Tre, DJ, Graham, Chim. I’m close with a bunch of people. All the Cali dudes, the three Cali dudes we got.
Q. I know it’s still early in the season, but how do you feel about the decision you’ve made and where you ended up and what your life is like right now?
ELIJHAH BADGER: I feel good about it. I feel like I just need to keep working and the job’s not done. I’m not satisfied yet. I need to keep working.
Q. Get in that end zone?
ELIJHAH BADGER: I’ll get in that end zone for sure next time. That will not happen again.
Q. How much have you developed as a route runner just in the last couple years? You always had that deep ball ability, but how much have you worked on the precision of routes underneath and being able to do that kind of stuff?
ELIJHAH BADGER: I feel like I’ve been working on that for a long time actually. Just getting better every year at route running. I’m going to keep working on that. I feel like everything is there. I just need to keep working on the route running and the specifics.
Q. You mentioned that Tre and Chim are two of the guys that you’ve gotten close with since arriving here. How would you say that, between the chemistry and the talent the three of you guys have across the board, how has that translated both into practice and on the field so far this season?
ELIJHAH BADGER: I feel like, when we line up, DBs, the way we run off the ball, I feel like DBs are going to have to respect all of us, all three of us on the field when we’re together. Even our other receivers as well in the room, we all can run.
I feel like we all can run, we all can go, and they’re going to have to respect everybody in the room.
Q. Chim was saying Tre’s acceleration is insane.
ELIJHAH BADGER: It’s crazy.
Q. Had you seen anything like that?
ELIJHAH BADGER: I seen it on Saturday.
Q. I’ve been saying it. I was wondering about you.
ELIJHAH BADGER: When he makes a move and goes, he’s gone unless you get him. Get him right then and there, or he might be gone.
Q. As a blocker, how much fun is it to decleat somebody? Have you had a chance to do that in this offense?
ELIJHAH BADGER: No, I haven’t had a chance to decleat somebody. I’ve been blocking. I say, okay, it’s going to get way better. I can do way better.
Q. What do you like about Billy G as a coach, and what are some of the things he’s worked with you on?
ELIJHAH BADGER: I like how hyper he is and how he gets on your head about things in practice. Just working on finishing, route running, a lot of things.
Q. Do you feel like he’s going to help you take your game to another level this year?
ELIJHAH BADGER: Yeah, for sure.
Q. Did you get to work with Hines Ward at all?
ELIJHAH BADGER: No. I would say for probably a couple days.
Q. Did he give you anything before you got out of there?
ELIJHAH BADGER: No.
Transcripts courtesy ASAP | Videos courtesy GatorVision
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