Billy Napier talks quarterback takeaways following Florida's first scrimmage

New Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier got his first shot at leading his team through the first scrimmage of spring on Saturday. After the departure of 2021 starting quarterback Emory Jones, the Gators are working through a quarterback competition – led by 2021 backup Anthony Richardson.

Napier’s initial review wasn’t glowing after the scrimmage, however, he was quick to point out the valuable learning opportunities. The Gators quarterbacks struggled with some situational errors.

“That was, overall, probably the one negative. I think there were a couple of critical situational errors,” Napier said. “That’s part of it. Everything we’ve been doing, everything’s been compartmentalized and the situations defined. When you get into a scrimmage setting, all of a sudden the variables are changing, and the ball’s moving, you have to change gears mentally. I think overall we took care of the ball for the most part. I think we turned the ball over one time, maybe. It was one of the younger players. Outside of that, a lot of good.

“Sometimes, when you’re watching the scrimmage for the quarterback, they get too much blame. And sometimes they get too much credit. It’s usually a result of the players around there. A lot of film to teach and learn from, that’s the best part of a scrimmage.”

Billy Napier confident in QB room

After the critique, Napier expressed confidence that he can win with his top quarterbacks, which have been Richardson and Ohio State transfer Jack Miller this spring.

“We’ve got some guys that can play winning football. I’m confident in that. I’m excited about the group of guys that we get to coach,” Napier said. “We need to develop depth in the room. But I think the top half of that group is pretty good.”

Last season, Richardson threw for 529 yards and rushed for another 401. He threw five touchdowns and four interceptions as Jones’ backup. He got clearance from the Florida staff to start practicing after rehabbing a knee injury in the offseason. The Jones-Richardson quarterback battle throughout the season played into Dan Mullen getting the ax and Napier taking over.