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Billy Napier touched on players’ performances following Florida’s 38-14 win over Vanderbilt on Saturday.
Napier said quarterback Graham Mertz showed toughness against the Commodores. The junior completed 30-of-36 passes for 254 and 3 touchdowns.
But Napier said he wants him “to get rid of the ball, sometimes.” Mertz was sacked 3 times on Saturday.
Napier added that Montrell Johnson, Jr. “ran with an edge.” The junior tailback carried the ball 18 times for 135 rushing yards and a TD.
Napier also praised Gators cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson’s effort versus Vanderbilt, including a pass breakup on a fourth down situation.
“We count that as a takeaway,” Napier said, also calling the play a big momentum swing.
Napier said he was proud of certain players stepping up while battling an injury, including tackles Lyndell Hudson and Kam Waites, receiver Eugene Wilson and tight end Arlis Boardingham.
The Gators are now 4-0 at home, but their road record 0-2.
Florida will now prepare for a road matchup against South Carolina. The contest will begin at 3:30 p.m. next week on SEC Network.
“I think it’s a challenge to play on the road in this league,” Napier said, noting that starting fast is key. “In particular in our league, everywhere you go it’s pretty rowdy.”
H/T Scott Carter and Kevin Brockway.
