Billy Napier reveals who has been 'godsend' for Florida from defensive line

The Florida Gators have had a few players shine during their spring practices. And on Saturday, head coach Billy Napier praised one player who has made the transition from defense to offense.

“But I would say this Dante Zanders, right. Dante Zanders has moved from defensive line to tight end and has really done well. And there’s no question, in my mind, that he not only is gonna be able to play, but I think the guy can do it do his job. So he has been a godsend to some degree relative to his ability. He’s really bright, he’s picked it up quickly. I mean he’s able to go out there and execute,” said Napier.

According to the Gators’ headman, Florida is in short supply of help at the tight end position. Arguably one of the most talented positions Florida is able to field year in and year out is where they are hurting during this offseason. So much so that they are giving pseudo open tryouts to fill the position.

“So, you know, we’re thin there. A long snapper caught a pass today, OK; and big Griff caught a pass today, if that gives you an indication. We got two defensive tackles that are over there we’ve got a long snappers that’s taking reps. That’s an area on our team where we anticipated potential depth issues. We signed 3, you know, we also had injuries. Like I mentioned before, every team’s got its problems. You do your best with it no complaining. I think just make the best of the situation, so there’s lots of answers to that problem and we’ll keep working.”

Napier negators still have some time to continue developing talent at the tight end position before their annual spring game takes place on April 14th. By then, the Gators’ head coach will know if Zander’s is the answer to all of his questions, or instead, he should be looking in the transfer portal for more options.

Napier: ‘We’re a Year One football outfit

Florida Gators head football coach Billy Napier understands that the college game is constantly resetting every offseason. On Saturday, while addressing the media, Napier was asked about the team’s progress thus far. To which the Gators head coach explained that his team is in a good place as they are in year one right now.

“Yeah. I mean, reality is you’re always a work in progress. You know, I like to tell our coaches and people in the organization that every team in the country, right now, has a set of problems. Every football team, no matter if you’re the defendant national champ, if you won your conference or division, you just want the Super bowl, right. Whatever the case may be, there’s a set of problems that you have that you’ve got to solve,” said Napier.

The problems the Gators have had to solve this offseason seemed never-ending. Florida was one of the top schools negatively affected by transfers this offseason. Florida saw several vital players find new homes for the 2022 season, including last year’s starting quarterback Emory Jones. However, Napier expected this level of turnover.