Billy Napier explains why training camp is 'really important' for Florida's tight ends

Last year, only one Florida tight end — Keon Zipperer — had over 100 yards. He’s back this year, but Billy Napier knows he once again has a young group at the position.

Zipperer is a senior, Dante Zanders is a redshirt senior and Jonathan Odom is a junior. Outside of those three, the other five tight ends are either freshmen or redshirt freshmen. Napier compared it to the safety position, which only has two true upperclassmen.

But with three upperclassmen at tight end, Napier said it’s a big training camp for that group’s development.

“I think tight end and safety are very similar in a lot of regards in terms of we’re going to be dependent on young players that maybe don’t have significant experience,” Napier said. “Maybe we’ve got a veteran or two. But I like that group. That group, there’s growth that needs to take place there. I do think they had a really good summer. It’s one of the more challenging positions on our team. Safety would be in the same category. That’s always a little bit of a concern as a coach, but I do think we have capable players.

“Dante is respected on our team. He’s got a little bit of a unique story and a guy who I think cares about the team. He’s a selfless player. And he’s a very capable player. Arlis [Boardingham] is talented, Hayden [Hansen’s] talented, Tony [Livingston’s] talented. Certainly, Odom’s coming off the knee and then we’ve moved Andrew [Savaiinaea] over. That group, there’s minimal experience there outside of Dante. Odom played at times last year, as well. So we need that group to come on. It’s a really important training camp for them.”

Keon Zipperer seen on crutches during Florida’s open practice

Florida fans saw a sight they didn’t want to see on Saturday, though. Zipperer was seen on the sidelines during the open practice on crutches. According to Mark Wheeler of Inside The Gators, Zipperer posted on Instagram from a hospital room recently. He was not mentioned in Napier’s injury report earlier this week but has been a major contributor for the team in the past.

Zipperer is entering his fifth season with the Gators, having logged 38 career catches for 486 yards and four touchdowns. During the 2022 campaign, he tallied 13 catches for 177 yards and a touchdown.

Florida is preparing to lift the curtain on the 2023 season Aug. 31 when it takes on Utah.