Watch & Read: ‘Give this group of kids a ton of credit’

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Florida head coach Billy Napier along with quarterback DJ Lagway, and linebacker Shemar James met with the media on Saturday evening to discuss the Gators’ 27-16 win over No. 21 LSU.

BILLY NAPIER

BILLY NAPIER: I think before we get to the players and the staff, I think we have to give the crowd a ton of credit. That place was electric tonight and played a major factor in the game. Obviously the kids feed off of it. And 11 straight sell-outs, and something about when the sun goes down, it’s pretty special in there. Very thankful for our fans. And to continue to show up, right, and do their part. Obviously we’ve struggled at times, but I’m just very thankful for the overall support and the way they impacted the game tonight.

I think you’ve got to give this group of kids a ton of credit. Relative to the resiliency they’ve showed, I think for me there’s a purpose behind the game, and that starts with the players, and I certainly think this group would not be able to have done what they did tonight without a good foundation, something to stand on. I think they’ve got good character, and I’m very thankful for them relative to how they’ve stuck together and continue to work extremely hard and continue to improve. A lot of young players continue to grow up out there.

So this was complementary ball at its best. Felt like an NFL game. It was back and forth. We did a lot of things well. There are areas we can do better. I do think we made them earn it on defense. We limited the big play, but obviously we’ve got to do a better job getting off the field on third down, especially in the first half. The play count and time of possession was very unique. It was 48-21 at halftime, and then obviously look at it really out of whack at the end of the game. I think they ran 92 plays to our 43. We had a few penalties on offense we need to clean up. We had some delay of games. Couple of false starts. Obviously a holding. But in general, we did enough to win, and we stood up in that second half and I thought the defense got a couple of takeaways. Obviously a sack fumble. And then the missed field goal, and we played clean on offense and didn’t turn it over. Punted them deep a handful of times. And I thought the field position was key.

So credit to the staff for having a good plan. In particular, on defense, I felt we were really sharp on normal downs. And these kids showed up and played. And I’m proud of them.

Q. What did D.J. do to elevate things, and one throw in particular where the guys were coming in, he steps up, he’s walking a little gingerly at this point in the game fires it to Badger?

BILLY NAPIER: Elite play. That throw to Badger, stepping up into the pocket, left tackle was on an edge and just those are throws — God blessed that young man, is what I would say. But, yeah, I think your question is key, and I think we all felt that last week and this week. I thought there was a difference knowing that he was working his butt off with our training staff to get back and be available in the game and the way he approached that this week, the way the training staff worked overtime.
And again, the guy wasn’t 100 percent. He wanted to play last week. And then obviously he came in the building Sunday, said, “I’m playing this week.” And we kept him in the pocket for the most part, limited the read game and the run game and overall it ended up working out.

Q. The pressure you were able to get with the front seven throughout the night, especially in the second half, after giving up a good bit of rushing yards, just how critical do you think that was? And kind of a microcosm of the strides the defense has been able to make all season long.

BILLY NAPIER: Seven sacks. I thought we stayed on top of them for the most part. I thought the leverage in coverage was pretty good. That was one of the keys to the game was we covered them with the group of DBs that we had, I felt we hung in there pretty good. A lot of those are coverage sacks, where we’re landing, but we certainly affected the quarterback. And he made a lot of unannounced plays, off-schedule plays, where we did get him off of spot, and then giving Nussmeier some credit, I thought he made some plays on the run, a lot of impressive plays.

Q. How critical to be able to protect D.J. given his injury situation not giving up a sack, what did you make of the offensive line play outside of the penalties?

BILLY NAPIER: I thought it was solid. Obviously we did enough in the run game. Obviously the one explosive helps the numbers. But keeping him clean was a big mission. Part of the mission was to keep him clean. They’ve got some good rushers. But overall I felt for the most part we did a good job in that area.

Q. How much of that defensive effort was pride from last week, like, you get hurt like that, 49 points, and it shows how resilient these guys are?

BILLY NAPIER: I think last week was unacceptable, is what I think. And I think they took ownership of that. There wasn’t a lot of moping around. I think they ultimately took ownership of it, and we did some of those things better. We tackled better. I thought the rushing the coverage worked better together. We covered them. We played with the right leverage and we were able to get to the quarterback. So gotta clean up third down. I think they were 15-28 on conversion downs. A little over 50 percent, which is a good day. About 45 percent would be a goal, and they obviously met their goal.

Q. How much of a launching point can this game be for Caleb Banks, and what has he done in recent practices to elevate himself to the point where he had a game like he did tonight?

BILLY NAPIER: I’m proud of Caleb. We tried to include him more on third down. And I think he’s really worked hard this offseason. Really 58 plays at his prior stop. 300 plays last year. And this year, a starter, and obviously trying to grow his role and create more value for him. So playing him on third down tonight, and he was a factor. I think Caleb has a bright future in front of him. He can really go places.

Q. The drive, when you’re up 20-16, you’re probably think four-minute offense, but beginning with D.J. finding the tight end and ending with the explosive end there, how big it was to finish it off?

BILLY NAPIER: Huge. We had a lot of bullets in the gun at that point, right, because we had run minimal plays; but, yeah, I think the quick game completion to Hansen over the middle was huge and Haden did a great job running after the catch. And you’re going to watch that play where Jadan scored, and you’re going to see guys playing without the ball, Badger, Hansen, Barber, critical point of attacks there on the perimeter run, and 13 did the rest. But it was a good-looking play.

Q. Was it more or less trying to pick the spots for D.J. to pass tonight? I know that you wanted to protect him and he wanted to establish the running game, but was it more just finding those moments and finding those receivers when you needed it?

BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, I think we threw it 26 times out of 43, right? So he had opportunities tonight. I think we’ve got to protect him a little bit better, and I think there were some opportunities to make some plays. In the seams, there was a lot of bang-bang throws in the seams, couple of opportunities early with DK. And then I thought he did a good job extending a little bit, throwing it away when he needed to. But, yeah, I mean, 26 passes out of 43 plays, he got a lot of opportunities.

Q. Talk about what Chim and Elijhah have meant to D.J. and his maturation, having experienced guys to throw to and working with a young quarterback, what they’ve meant to the development of the passing game?

BILLY NAPIER: Those two guys have been key, really good evaluations. I think the personnel, Burt did a phenomenal job identifying those guys, and we were able to recruit them and they hit the ground running. DK was here in the spring. But Badger, getting here in the summer, both have improved as players. Coach Gonzales has done a great job with both players. They’ve really — the scouts are high on them. They’ve increased their value. But there’s no question, when you play quarterback, the players around you have to play well. And those guys, they separate, they get open and they make plays on the ball. They make contested catches, and there’s no question those guys have done a great job for the Gators.

Q. Special teams came up big, 55-yard field goal. You touched on it. And I think probably the play of the game was maybe the punt that you dropped in at the 8-yard line, changed the whole game right there.

BILLY NAPIER: We did. We had some frustrations in the fringe landmarks there and we had to hang punt a couple times and play field position. Jeremy obviously is a Ray Guy finalist this week. Has an elite future. Best punter in the country. And those are the little things. Those are the situational football things. Really good job by Rocco. Chim was in position. We were able to play field position and the defense took advantage of that position. You’re spot on.

Q. Shemar, 11 tackles, couple of sacks, bunch of pressures, kid with a lot of adversity after injuries. Is that the best he’s played, and how gratifying was it to see?

BILLY NAPIER: I think lately he’s really starting to play well. Shemar is a three-down player. He can play — I thought he’s improved as a tackler. Just his stopping power has improved. And I think just in general him as a communicator, as a leader. He’s a guy that has a ton of positive energy. Fun to be around. Does a great job throughout the week affecting the other players. He can play on all three downs, good match-up backer on pass coverage. And he’s a heck of a blitzer. He’s loose and slippery and a guy who weighs 235 pounds. Shemar continues to get better. Obviously overcome a lot with injury. We’re proud of him.

Q. How do you feel like Jadan and the other linebackers did stepping up for Pup and also Bridges going full time at corner this week?

BILLY NAPIER: I think with Pup being out, Jadan — Myles Graham and Aaron Chiles played significant snaps tonight as well. But that’s a room that has depth. A lot of smart players in that room. And we’ve been rolling those guys, playing some of the young guys, and certainly I think that experience paid off tonight. But Jadan Robinson is one of my favorite players. Guy just shows up and works, and he obviously was a factor today. Good to see those young kids in there making some plays too.

Q. What’s this do to validate things for you a little bit, beating a ranked opponent, big game, keeps you on track to get a bowl game and rivalry? And then the Texas game, obviously, coming right on the vote of confidence has kind of left a bad taste.

BILLY NAPIER: Look, I think the big thing is just you’ve got to compliment our players and staff just for staying the course. I mean, it’s no easy task to keep focused on the work in front of you and be present. We talked all week about working as if we’re on a one-day contract. And every day, hey, look, if we’re watching you the entire day and evaluating how you work, would you get the call back for the next day? And I think they took that personal, and I think that we had a good day every day of the week. I thought we built momentum to the end of the week. And certainly they played that way with that type of attitude tonight.

Q. Sort of going off that question a little bit, obviously the signature win for the season and ending the streak of losses against ranked opponents. What’s this win say about the future of the program, not just for the last two games of the season, but kind of the seasons and beyond potentially for recruits that are interested anything of that nature?

BILLY NAPIER: I think it’s the players reflect that. I think obviously we’re trying to create a culture here. I think the intangibles of the group are what we would want from our players. Obviously the football needs to continue to improve. I do think it is improving, and I think that’s a result of each individual player contributing. The way we practice, the way we prepared throughout the week, if you’re going to have a good football team, you’ve got to do it all. And I think this group continues to show that they’re up for the challenge. When we recruited these guys, part of this sale was like, look, you have to understand, you have to be up for the challenge. If we’re going to rebuild this place and create a championship contender, it will be rocky at times and you’ve got to be a tough guy and you’ve got to be up for the challenge. And I think this group has proved they’re up for that and we need to continue the work. We’re right in the middle of this journey here. Look, it’s harder than ever, in my opinion. I think these guys could have pointed fingers and splintered a long time ago. That’s what I’m most proud of. We played well tonight, but the way they’ve handled their business throughout the year and for them to continue to show up and work and care for each other and try to get better and compete, I think we’re learning how to win and ultimately I think belief is the most powerful, belief and hope are the most powerful things in the world, and I think we’ve got that. Just proud of the players.

Q. Your secondary remains really banged up but Dijon Johnson had a big tackle early, and you had to play (indiscernible) and Aaron Gates, how they’ve held the things together in this game.

BILLY NAPIER: Quez versatility has been critical. Played both safeties and corners. And Gates continues to improve. And Denson played some snaps, but for Dijon Johnson, he’s out there playing banged up, showed toughness, grit, sacrificing for the team. He’s in the training room every day of the week all day to try to get ready. He played last week and he was not even close to 100 percent. I think him and Gates and Castell and Thornton, big part of the game tonight is we covered them, and I think ultimately hats off to that group.

Q. It looked to me like the game has slowed down a little bit for D.J. He’s starting to make more reads going through progressions. I’m not saying the ball looks like a beach ball, but do you think it has slowed down for him? There was a rumor from an ESPN cameraman that Steve Spurrier said to the team that if they won and the fans stormed the field that he would pay the fine.

BILLY NAPIER: Yeah, I’ll tell you what, I think, first of all, let me say this, okay, our players got wind of that. And they were talking about it earlier today. I think it juiced them up a little bit. Anytime a head ball coach speaks, we listen. This is his place. Player, coach, Gator legend, and I’m thankful for Coach. Coach has been phenomenal since the first day I got here, for him to continue to support these guys, I think, is a big deal. And we’ll get to do that in the future.

Q. (Inaudible)?

BILLY NAPIER: I think it slows down. You’ll have to talk to him a little bit. D.J. told me specifically earlier in the week the game was slowing down. You’ve got to go back all the way to January. This guy is playing plays in the Gator room. Coach O’Hara has done a phenomenal job, all the way back to day one, he’s had a chance to observe Graham Mertz and how he worked like a professional, how to prepare, how to lead, and I think D.J. has — the game has slowed down. He’ll tell you that. Look, he’s only going to get better. I respect him as a competitor on game day, the way he handles himself between the lines. The guy’s completely into it as a competitor, doing everything he can to win the game, and he did enough tonight.

Q. I don’t think many people before the season started would have thought you guys had a 1-2 punch at running back with Ja’Kobi and Jadan. You have that now. And what do you think it says about Jabbar and his ability to develop running backs with Jadan only being a true freshman?

BILLY NAPIER: They’re good evaluations from the personnel department. I think both are fantastic kids. Look, they both had incredible training camps. They ran the ball like that in training camp. Jabbar continues to produce. I mean, look, now as much as they play well on Saturday, I don’t ever have to worry about a running back off the field. I mean, his group is accountable. They do everything right. They’re a class act. And he did it at Louisiana. He’s done it at other stops in his career. I think his background as a high school coach, he cares for kids, and he’s tough on them and he holds them accountable. Hats off to both those guys, and certainly hats off to Coach Juluke as well.

DJ LAGWAY

Q. What was the week like? When did you know you were ready?

DJ LAGWAY: The week, there was a lot of stuff going on this week just preparing my body, making sure my body was 100 percent, or just feeling good enough to go out there and play, and also having to prepare on the mental side of it. So it was definitely a challenging week. But kudos to my coaches and the medical team, they’ve helped me so much. They’re the best in the country. I can say that because they helped me get back up to speed as fast as possible.

Q. Coach said you came in and said “I’m playing this week.”

DJ LAGWAY: Oh, yeah.

Q. What was that conversation like? Was there one where you just make a statement?

DJ LAGWAY: I just made a statement. I’ve got to get out there and play for my guys. I feel like they rallied around me very well. I feel like they play well around me, and I’m just thank thankful to have a great support cast. The offensive line played their butt off. We had no sacks. And I was limited today. So it was kudos to those guys. Receivers making heck of a play. Tight ends making plays. Tight ends blocking. Running backs making heck of runs, and it was a great offensive effort. And even defense played well. Special teams too. All around great win.

Q. The throw to Elijhah, set up the go-ahead score to Ja’Kobi, could you break that play down, feeling some pressure. Looked like you were walking a little gingerly at this point in the game, step up and make that throw.

DJ LAGWAY: Just somebody gotta make the play. And why not me? That’s my thought process. Always want to be a game-changer, want to change the game. When the big plays arrive, I’ve got to make the play. That’s what Coach Napier recruited me for. Blessed to have the opportunity to make the play.

Q. Did they limit the playbook because of the injury for you? Did they just take some plays out, kind of keep it simple for you? And secondly, did you have a play in this game, a pass, that you thought, yeah, it’s there, it’s there for me?

DJ LAGWAY: Yeah, just I feel like Coach Napier and the offensive staff did an amazing job of game planning, just my strengths and weaknesses for this week. I feel like this week taught me a lot, just learning how to truly play in the pocket and maneuver and trust in the O line and trust in all the guys around me. It was a great week. I’m excited for it.

Q. How would you assess just your comfort level within the offense, maybe from when the start of the season was to now that you’ve got a few starts under your belt and where are some areas you can improve, do you think?

DJ LAGWAY: My confidence level in this offense has jumped up tremendously. Having Coach Napier and Coach O’Hara and Graham Mertz helping me in different situations, and I feel like that’s one part of my game that I want to develop and continue to get better, being a situational expert, as Coach Napier would say. That’s something I continue to work on daily.

Q. What was it like getting injured, the moment where you had to get carted off and just realizing that you might miss the Texas game, which I know meant a lot to you?

DJ LAGWAY: That moment was definitely eye opening. It was definitely an experience that I won’t forget because I feel like we were having great momentum in that game, and I feel like my teammates, they rallied behind me. When they all came up to me on the car, that meant a lot to me. It showed how much my guys love me and I love them and that’s definitely a moment I won’t forget.

Q. What were you saying when you were getting carted off the field?

DJ LAGWAY: I remember. I can’t say it, though.

Q. Seemed like you said something like you were playing next week?

DJ LAGWAY: I was talking (indiscernible)– I can’t say much.

Q. Before the Texas game when you went through pregame, did you feel like you could go, what was that like?

DJ LAGWAY: In the Texas game, I feel like that whole week I was very ginger on the leg. I didn’t really practice, didn’t do no team reps. Saturday, that was the best it’s felt. I felt like I could move around a little better but I wasn’t game-ready. I trusted in Coach Napier and the training staff for making that decision, having to make that decision.

Q. On the touchdown or the throw right before the touchdown to Ja’Kobi, I know you talked about it a little bit, did you see something pre-snap, single out, safety up, that made you confident it would be there?

DJ LAGWAY: Yes, most definitely. That play, I thought I was getting cat pressure, like a quarterback blitz. They ended up dropping out. I knew I had that area. I could have hit Chim on that finger route, like a sail route, but I got to Badge and he made a heck of a catch. O line protected well. It was great.

Q. Your social media reaction when the news came out that Billy was going to come back for another year, what that meant to you and what do you think it means to the team in terms of that vote of confidence?

DJ LAGWAY: Means a lot, being the second year in offense is huge. Just having the guys rally behind that and truly like we’re going to change this. And that’s the whole vibe in the locker room, that we’re going to change this place and we’re going to make it what it used to be. I feel like on a recruiting standpoint, I felt it was huge as well. I had a lot of guys hit me up after they’ve seen that, texting me, trying to see what’s going on. But yeah, it’s great.

Q. With it being your first game back from injury, did you feel like you were kind of hindered at all with your ability to scramble or extend plays at all, and how were you kind of able to make up for that if you weren’t feeling like you totally were able to?

DJ LAGWAY: Yeah, I just feel like this game, I took it as a challenge. I knew I wasn’t 100 percent healthy. I took it as a challenge to prove to myself I could do it and play in the pocket. And I don’t really need to use my legs. I could maneuver in the pocket and make different throws. I feel it was a huge confidence builder for me.

Q. Just two weeks ago being carted off the field. Looked like it was a career-ending injury. Did you perceive then that you would be back here standing here now?

DJ LAGWAY: No, sir, I did not think I was going to be standing here. By the grace of God I’m good. And I feel like, like I said, the training staff were amazing. I really couldn’t get up when I had that injury. I was really in pain. I’m not the guy to lay on a field. Never do stuff like that. My parents, they came out of the stands. They know the type of guy I am. They were definitely worried about it. But by the grace of God, I got back and got healthy, my guys.

Q. Just how did you develop the release, the quick release you have, and just the confidence? You don’t seem to hold back. When you see something, you go.

DJ LAGWAY: Just my training. I’m recently new to the quarterback. I just started training my sophomore year. It’s a daily learning experience. That’s why I really chose the Florida Gators because Coach Napier, here they develop me every single day and I feel I’m trending up to being a better quarterback. My training. QB training with Tillman, training with him before I could even throw a football. So it’s been great.

Q. How long does that go back?

DJ LAGWAY: Really, I’d say, going into my sophomore year. So like ninth grade, around this time, in the ninth grade season.

Q. I know you mentioned before how when it was announced that Coach Napier would be sticking around, you have recruits reaching out to you. Obviously you were someone who continued to have faith in this program throughout your whole recruiting process, and I think the season validated that. When you’ve been questioned about that by guys deciding to go to Florida, how do you respond along those lines, just like when, if you’re being asked about Florida and about why it’s the place to be for college football, what do you say in response to them?

DJ LAGWAY: My kind of response to that is we’ve got the best fan base in the country. We’ve got coaches that care and that’s going to develop you, make you a better player and person on and off the field. So that’s kind of how I see it.

Q. With the running backs, with Jadan and Ja’Kobi, just talk about how the two of them have developed throughout the season, how they’ve formed a nice 1-2 combo.

DJ LAGWAY: Those guys are great. I’ve seen what they had since spring. So I feel like those guys have been playing their butts off. Helped me tremendously to be able to push the ball down the field, knowing the run game is going hard. Kudos to the O line. They’ve been playing amazing football. So it’s been great.

Q. What percentage would you say you were at tonight?

DJ LAGWAY: I’d say I was healthy enough to move around the pocket, let’s say that. That’s all I can really say about that.

Q. How much more do you expect to progress in the weeks to come to get to 100 percent?

DJ LAGWAY: I feel today was a big step forward. I didn’t have any setbacks. It was great. I felt good. I didn’t really have anything grab up on me much. Because my O line, they did a heck of a job, kept me in there kept me on the edges, and even in front, it was great.

Q. I know you have chemistry with all of your guys at receiver, but what’s that bond like with Elijhah Badger especially down the field, how well do you feel you guys have a connection?

DJ LAGWAY: We have an amazing connection. Like I said, we’ve been working since the offseason, and I feel like kudos to that, the hard work we’ve put in and the summer workouts and the player-led workouts, and just being able to trust my guys to go make the plays. I have trust for all my receivers. I feel I have a bond and chemistry with those guys to make plays.

Q. What makes him such a deep threat? I think after today he’ll probably lead the country in yards per catch.

DJ LAGWAY: The way he excels when the ball’s in the area. I can just put it up there, he’ll go get it. Today was the first time I’ve seen I’ve overthrown it and….

SHEMAR JAMES

Q. Your thoughts on getting this win and what it means for the program right now.

SHEMAR JAMES: It was a big win coming off that L we took in Texas. We kind of preached, wipe that out, review, go into next week. That’s what we did. I’m proud of the offense, special teams and defense for coming up with a big win.

Q. I know you may not feel like a veteran, but considering the linebackers around you in the room, from Myles to Aaron to Jadan Robinson as well, their performance playing elevated snaps with Pup out, what did you think of their performance tonight?

SHEMAR JAMES: They stepped up big tonight, Aaron, Myles, and did what we needed them to do, step up, make plays when it counted and lead the defense.

Q. Shemar, seven sacks tonight for, I think LSU allowed only nine sacks all season – six. You guys literally get more than they allowed all season. What was the formula to being able to get to Nussmeier, especially in the second half?

SHEMAR JAMES: Game plan was just guys executing. We had a specific game plan to get after the quarterback. That’s what we did. We affected them.

Q. Third downs, one of the downsides, over 50 percent, 24 attempts, what’s the key with an Ole Miss explosive offense coming in here next week, trying to prevent that?

SHEMAR JAMES: Correct our mistakes. Every conversion they had was because of us, and we can always go in the film room and correct those mistakes.

Q. What do you think made the pass rush so successful tonight? They came into the game allowing the fewest sacks in the country, I don’t know if you knew that. But obviously something worked.

SHEMAR JAMES: Just staying in your rush lane, staying in your rush lanes and crushing the pocket for the quarterback. Making them step outside of the pocket. That’s what we did. We came up with big-time plays and big-time sacks.

Q. The home crowd seemed to really play a big difference in the game tonight. How much do you think that impacted the outcome of the game especially for you guys defensively?

SHEMAR JAMES: The crowd, 96,000, they were pretty loud. 90,000. Okay. Yeah, however many. They were very helpful for us. On the third down they got very loud. First and second downs they were very loud, and that was like our 12th man, the 12th man on the field. I appreciate every fan in the stands tonight.

Q. Last week you talked a little bit about how humbling was that loss and how motivating was it to not let that thing happen again, 49 points, and the way you guys were out of it early.

SHEMAR JAMES: We kind of knew that that wasn’t our brand of football that we played in Texas, and that’s kind of why we came out tonight, and we were, like, giving 110 percent. That was a bad taste we had and we got it out of our mouth.

Q. When Billy gets the vote of confidence and two days later that performance kind of happens, how important was it to kind of validate what he’s doing, what you guys are doing, and with the performance like tonight’s?

SHEMAR JAMES: Yes, sir, Coach always preaches to the last whistle. That’s what we were doing. We’ve got a couple more games to go and we’re going to play 110 percent the rest of the season, yes, sir.

Q. What was the key specifically on Nussmeier, because seemed like you had him flustered especially in the first half?

SHEMAR JAMES: Get after him, make him step out of the pocket and make the throws and that was the game plan.

Q. 92 plays. 92 plays the defense was out there. Did it feel like 92 plays, and how patient did this defense have to be to just stay the course the whole time?

SHEMAR JAMES: Yeah, that was a pretty long game. I thought it was like 100 or so. But we just kept fighting. Like I said, Coach Nape and Coach Armstrong and Coach Roberts always preach to the last whistle. That’s what we did. I’m extremely proud of the way we finished the way we did.

Q. You guys have said time and time again, big reason you have stayed together, there’s a lot of guys in the locker room you want to play for, especially the seniors. How important it is to keep this thing going, flush this one, in a sense, get ready for next week for Senior Day against Ole Miss?

SHEMAR JAMES: Like you said, we’re a band of players. We say play for the man next to you. That’s what we’ll continue to do for the rest of the season. Like you said, we have seniors, last year playing football, we want to spend them out with a bang.

Q. The guys in front of you on the defensive line can help you out. Can you talk about the performance of Tyreak Sapp?

SHEMAR JAMES: Sapp, my guy Sapp, he played like somebody with their hair on fire. He brings that energy, whether in practice, walk throughs or in the game. I appreciate each of the defensive linemen in front of me.

Q. What did you think of D.J.’s ability to come back from injury so quickly and perform the way he did?

SHEMAR JAMES: D.J., he’s a dude, for sure. He showed grit tonight. Like you said, coming back from injury probably a week or two early, and he came out and made pretty good throws and commanded the offense and that’s what we were kind of missing, I would say, and we’re very fortunate to have D.J. on our team.

Q. Pretty good throws?

SHEMAR JAMES: I don’t want to give him too much credit, (laughter).

Q. Trying to keep him humble?

SHEMAR JAMES: Keep him grounded a little bit.

Q. Did you see the one he made to Badger where he stepped up in the pocket, the one where he stepped in the pocket, set up the touchdown to Ja’Kobi to put you guys ahead for good?

SHEMAR JAMES: I seen it.

Q. What you did you think of his cool presence there?

SHEMAR JAMES: He’s just calm under pressure. That speaks a lot considering he’s a freshman. He’s got two or three more years to go in college. I’m excited to see him grow.

Transcripts courtesy ASAP | Videos courtesy GatorVision & YouTube

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