Billy Napier comments on the transfer of Trevor Etienne

Of the several portal losses that Florida has suffered this offseason, RB Trevor Etienne has an argument as the most significant one. Still, his decision to leave Gainesville doesn’t change anything about how Billy Napier regards him.

Napier addressed Etienne’s choice to transfer during his press conference on National Signing Day this week. If nothing else, he said Etienne was a positive to have on their team and in their program which is why, in the end, he has nothing but approval of him.

“I think Trevor has been great for the Gators. That’s what I would say,” said Napier.

“I’ve got nothing but respect for Trevor – his attitude, his practice habits, his contribution to the team,” Napier said. “Nothing but respect.”

Etienne made 24 appearances for Florida over his two seasons with the program. In that time, he rushed for a total of 1,472 yards and 14 scores on 249 carries. He has also caught 30 passes for an additional 238 yards and another touchdown.

Etienne has finished second on the team in rushing behind only Montrell Johnson Jr. in both campaigns. As a freshman, he was more than solid with 118 carries for 719 yards and six scores. Then, as a sophomore this past season, he improved those statistics across the board with 753 yards and eight scores on 131 rushes.

A few days into December, Etienne decided to enter the transfer portal. He has been a hot commodity due to his new availability too as the No. 1 RB and No. 8 transfer overall according to On3’s Portal Rankings. He’s also a top-five transfer as far as those that are still currently available in the portal.

As of now, the latest suggests that heavy favorite to earn his services is a rival program from the Southeastern Conference in Georgia.

No one wants to lose a player of Etienne’s caliber, especially with him just now becoming an upperclassman. Still, regardless of the circumstances, they don’t change the opinion that Napier has of him.

“We wish him well going forward,” Napier said.

Napier calls Graham Mertz a ‘big piece’ for Florida

Graham Mertz’s first season in Gainesville was a success based on what he was able to do as Florida’s starting quarterback. However, with him set to return next fall, he could be even more important for what the Gators do next season than he was this season.

Billy Napier spoke about Mertz’s value for their program in 2024 during an appearance on the SEC Network on Wednesday. Quality numbers aside, he noted how Mertz’s leadership shined in their building over the course of the year. That status should only mean that much more next season during what will be a very difficult slate for Florida.

“Graham’s a big piece to the puzzle, not only the production on the field but also just the leadership element. He spent last spring competing for the job. Probably a little bit more reserved in that regard but this guy proved himself on the field as a competitor,” said Napier. “(He) really set a standard for how to work. Very professional approach, extremely smart. I think he won over our team,” Napier said. “For him to be back is huge going into what we all know is a tough league.”

“Graham Mertz? There’s no question he’ll be the leader and at the forefront of what we want to do next year,” said Napier.