Florida head coach Billy Napier met with the media after Thursday’s spring practice.
Napier shares his evaluation of the squad four days into spring ball: “There’s a saying, it’s not about the bricks, it’s all about the mortar. I think we’re in the process of developing that mortar. … Football forces you to make decisions with others in mind. You can’t just focus on yourself or the few people in your circle. You have to back up and see the big picture, and that is one of the things I respect about this team.” He called them trustworthy and respectful. They want to be a great teammate.
There are three groups, the veterans who have played a lot of football. The middle group that played some last year, gained some experience and has a chance to make a big jump. And then, you have the group that showed up in January.
He complimented the staff on doing a great job in Phase 2. He is never quite satisfied, but he believes that the attitude is there.
On Ryan O’Hara being designated as an assistant coach, rather than an analyst. O’Hara has been with Napier for eight years. Napier said that he thought he did great work last year. Having him work with the quarterbacks buys Napier more time to do other things.
Napier said that Jadan Baugh worked extremely hard in the offseason. He thinks he is hungry. He is leaner, worked on his body. He called him extremely bright and mature. Napier said he is in the 235 range, plus or minus two pounds of his target weight each week.
They are working on keeping DJ Lagway engaged while not being able to throw this spring. He is calling in the plays to the other quarterbacks. Being sidelined, he can see things from a different perspective. His being limited has provided more reps for the other quarterbacks.
Harrison Bailey has played in several different systems. He is used to the speed of the game.
Said he is proud of Hayden Hansen. He said he is proud of him, called him one of the hardest workers on the team. He remembers him from when he was a high school quarterback.
When talking about the safeties, he said he looked up at one point and every player out there was a true freshman. He talked about having all the safeties limited or sidelined. With all the injuries in the secondary, it has impacted the entire secondary because they are currently lacking continuity. They are going through growing pains.
Talking about the incredible success UF has had with transfer receivers, Napier said it goes back to years of evaluating players, learning from great people and credited the personnel department for weeding down the list of possibilities to get to a workable number.
Transfer receiver J. Michael Sturdivant has been a very productive player. Napier compared his career arc to Chimere Dike, who had early production, and then faded a bit, but there are traits there that check a lot of boxes.He called him motivated.
When asked about the Spring Portal, he said that he tells Director of College Personnel Bird Sherrill to plan as if UF needs a player at every position because they never know what’s going to happen. As for needing a quarterback, he said he is pleased with the three players currently taking snaps.
He called Jayden Woods an impressive young man. Napier recalled meeting him for the first time at this time last year. Said that he is highly motivated. He said Woods’ grandmother is old school. Talented. Fundamentally advanced. Blue collar family. Said he has the DNA to play early.
Napier said that once every practice he sees that black #3 jersey do something – called Eugene Wilson one of the elite skill players in the country. When he’s healthy, he’s as good as there is. It will be huge for UF to get him back. He is a one touch, touchdown player. UF is harder to defend when he is on the field. Napier said that he can line up anywhere. Compared him to Steve Smith
In talking about the freshmen receivers, Napier called them all good kids, all good teammates. They show up. Blue collar. He said that he was impressed with how they attacked the conditioning portion of Phase 2. Said that the whole group has a bright future.
He praised DJ Lagway when talking about his new foundation. He said he has a sincere care for people.
Napier called Jalen Wiggins extremely bright. Came in with college credits. Said that he has great parents. Talked about his frame. Said that he has to be an effort player.
Napier said that when they have openings on the staff, one of the goals, if there’s a former player, when the fit and timing is right, those guys do care a little bit more. It’s important to them. He talked about Mike Peterson, Brandon Spikes, Stephen Alli – a number of them have come through. Good to get David Reese back, a former Captain. He had a great reputation while he was at UF.
He is very pleased with his group of offensive linemen. He singled out the culture and energy in the room. He said that if you want to have a championship team, it starts up front.
0 comments