Ad Disclosure
Billy Napier had a lot to say about the state of his Florida Gators 2 weeks away from opening weekend.
Talking to the press after Florida’s second scrimmage, the head coach on Sunday discussed the improvement of the offense and the status of the running backs among several topics addressed on team picture day. Napier reported that the offense played well in the second scrimmage, however the defense needs to improve on its gap integrity and tackling.
For Gator fans, it’s largely good news from the Swamp. However, backup QB Jack Miller will miss the first 2 games of the season following thumb surgery.
Billy Napier on #Gators second scrimmager: 'We were much improved offensively.' No turnovers until final play of scrimmage during two-minute.
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) August 21, 2022
Napier on Florida RBs:
"We're improving. I think we've got some guys in that room that can play winning football. Even the young freshman (Etienne) has shown flashes so we've got four guys."
— Jacob Rudner (@JacobRudner) August 21, 2022
Although positive overall, Napier also hit on some areas that need improvement.
Napier said there were positives from the scrimmage but it was "not our best tackling day" and that there needed to be "better gap integrity."
He also thought perimeter play needed to improve as did the team's red area performance and special team's play.
— Jacob Rudner (@JacobRudner) August 21, 2022
Napier on offense “there’s another level of detail we can get to” said there were some breakdowns in the red zone for second straight scrimmage #Gators
— KevinBrockwayGators (@KevinBrockwayG1) August 21, 2022
While Anthony Richardson is the bona fide starter, the Gators have other developments at quarterback. Redshirt freshman Jalen Kitna and walk-on Kyle Engel appear to be in line for the backup and third-string spots.
#Gators Coach Billy Napier: 'For us to win, Anthony Richardson, we're going to play to his strengths,' running the ball. 'The key is he makes the right decisions. There's no question we're going to us Anthony's legs. It's part of who we are and what we do.'
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) August 21, 2022
Napier says #Gators backup QB competition (during Jack Miller's absence) is between redshirt freshman Jalen Kitna and walk-on Kyle Engel. Sounds as though true freshman Max Brown is simply too inexperienced at this juncture.
— G. Allan Taylor (@GAllanTaylor) August 21, 2022
The Gators’ improved offense will be tested to start the season, as Florida takes on No. 7 Utah on Sept. 3 in Gainesville.
