Billy Napier identifies the 'big issue' from Florida's spring game

Several mixed reactions game out of Florida’s spring game down in Gainesville last night. There was a lot of determining whether the low-scoring affair had more to do with offensive deficiencies or defensive standouts. In Billy Napier’s eyes, he saw it as the latter more than the former.

Napier addressed the main issue with the Gators last night in the first answer of his press conference postgame. He said the defensive line wreaked havoc and caused a lot of problematic pressure for the pocket. While some see that more of a criticism of the play of those in the backfield and on the offensive line, Napier gave credit where it was due defensively considering how they impacted and affected the game.

“I think the pocket was a little muddy tonight. That’s one thing I’d say standing out behind it. I think the defensive line and their pressure created issues,” Napier said. “Overall, that was the big issue in my opinion. I didn’t think the pocket was very clean.”

“I do think they made some plays as the pocket broke down and made some plays with their feet. But, overall, it was fast, it was physical out there. I think, defensively in particular, we tackled well. And I think they did a good job mixing it up,” said Napier. “The pressure was a factor tonight.”

Again, there was nothing high-flying about this matchup considering it ended in a 10-7 score. It’s just all about determining which reason for why that was the case is more important. If it’s more on the offense, it may be more of a reason to believe that the Gators could get active in the spring transfer portal window that opens this weekend. If it’s more a credit to the defense, that could be a very solid checkmark for Florida to end this spring with.

For Napier, he went with the second half of that equation as his program gets close to wrapping up this part of their year. Now, from here, we’ll have to see how he and his staff respond to it with their transactions moving forward and what things look like for them by the time we see the Gators back on the gridiron.

Napier shares initial impressions of Florida’s spring game

With 27 early enrollees on the field, Billy Napier got to see some new, younger Florida players in a game-like situation in Thursday’s Orange and Blue spring game. As the fourth quarter winded down, he shared his initial impressions with ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

The Orange team got the victory 10-7 thanks to a walk-off field goal, and Napier said there were many teachable moments. That might be expected with such a young group and so many newcomers, and that will be next week’s focus.

All in all, though, the second-year headman was happy with where his team’s at.

“Lot of young players getting an opportunity to play,” Napier said. “New players, right. Overall, the defense made a lot harder. Certainly, you’ve got to be pleased with that given where we were as a team. Unbelievable experience and opportunity for this group. Great film to teach and learn from and looking forward to that opportunity on Monday.”