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Billy Napier says Florida has better energy on defense

On3 imageby:Dan Morrison•11/15/22•

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James Gilbert / Contributor PhotoG/Getty

This has been a rebuilding season for the Florida Gators during Billy Napier’s first season as the team’s head coach. One place where Florida’s growing pains were obvious was on the defensive side of the ball. However, they’ve shown improvements in recent weeks, dominating Texas A&M and South Carolina.

While speaking to the media, Billy Napier was asked if the improvements on defense were due to players knowing the scheme better, or if it was related to an improved effort.

“I think there’s a little bit of both,” Billy Napier said. “But I do think you’re spot on.”

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“I think the pursuit is better. The energy is better, and I really believe that it’s year one in a new system but information [and] knowledge, when applied, can make a difference. So, if I’m processing quicker, if I’m communicating better, if I’m anticipating, I get more production. There’s a compound effect. If each individual is doing that, I think there is a result that comes with that.”

Along with improving as the season has gone on, Billy Napier also thinks the defense had their pride hurt. Now, the team’s leaders have stepped up.

“So, I think that we’ve got a group–also, we haven’t been very good. So, I think there’s a little bit of a pride element there, and I think we’ve gotten good leadership on that side of the ball within each room. Coaching and players being more vocal about the things that they know can be done better.”

Billy Napier says Vanderbilt is improving

Next up for the Florida Gators are the Vanderbilt Commodores, who are coming off their first win in the SEC since 2019 over what was a ranked Kentucky team. It’s an opponent that Billy Napier sees as clearly improving.

“This is a group that continues to get better. There’s no question, year one to year two, Clark’s [Lea] done a great job. You can see the improvement within this season,” Billy Napier said.

“They’ve got some young players that continue to get better, got their first SEC win in a while. And there’s some momentum that we’ll have to deal with that goes with that.”