Billy Napier delivers rave review of Anthony Richardson following Florida spring game

In the Florida Gators spring game on Thursday night, it was the Anthony Richardson-led Blue team that came away with a convincing 34-0 victory over the Orange squad. Richardson played very well in Florida’s spring game, throwing for 207 yards and two touchdowns, leading his team on touchdown drives of 80, 80, and 65 yards.

Coming out of the spring game, new Florida head coach Billy Napier was incredibly impressed with what he saw out of Richardson. When it comes to what you look for in a quarterback, Napier believes that Richardson has checked all of the boxes so far.

“I think Anthony’s a production of a lot of hard work,” Napier said. “I mean I can’t say it enough. His approach has been first class. When I think about a quarterback, we think about a person who represents everything the organization is about. Certainly at the highest level of football, the quarterback is the face of the organization. They set the greatest example. Their work ethic, their attention to detail, their self-discipline, their approach.”

Richardson is gearing up to get his first opportunity as Florida’s starting quarterback

Next season will be Richardson’s third in a Florida uniform. He began his collegiate career in 2020, attempting just two passes. One went for a touchdown and the other was an interception. He also rushed seven times for 61 yards as a true freshman. Last season, Richardson saw more involvement in the offense while sitting behind starter Emory Jones. Richardson completed 59.4% of his passes last season for 529 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions. He also flashed a dynamic threat with his legs, rushing for 401 yards and three touchdowns.

Jones is now in the transfer portal, and the starting quarterback job is expected to belong to Richardson when Florida begins the season on Sept. 3 against Utah. But that job was not given to Richardson. All throughout the spring, Richardson has impressed Napier in Florida’s offense on and off the field. That progress was on display on Thursday night.

“So he’s a product of his work,” said Napier. “He’s learned a new system. Standing behind him out there, it wasn’t too big for him. He communicated well and the ball went where it was supposed to go. He was accurate and the players around him played well. The pocket was clean, guys made a play on the ball, and it was a good day. I think to win, you need good quarterback play. You need good quarterback efficiency.”