Billy Napier thanks Ventrell Miller, senior group for buying into new culture

Billy Napier led Florida to a blowout victory at home on Saturday, as they defeated South Carolina 38-6. It was the sixth victory of the season for the Gators, securing them bowl eligibility, but it was also senior day, signifying the last time their senior class would get to play in The Swamp. Napier was asked about that group, and how they bought into him building a foundation in Gainesville in his first season as Florida’s head coach.

“You know it’s hard on young people to go through change, and these guys, they’ve had a rough run at it when you think about what they’ve been through, ups and downs,” Napier explained. “There’s been a lot of good things but there’s also been some tough things.”

There were definitely some highs and lows for the Gator’s senior class, with some members being a part of their 4-7, 2017 season and also their 11-2, 2019 season capped off with an Orange Bowl victory. Despite the ups and downs though, Napier commended his group for their consistent work ethic.

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“So anytime you have change the uncertainty that comes with that, they embrace the work, can’t compliment that enough about this group of players and these seniors in particular. They work, they love to compete, it’s a small group truth be known when you really look at it big picture wise,” Napier said.

Napier gave a special shoutout to senior linebacker Ventrell Miller, who currently ranks second on the Gators in tackles and has been an important leader for Florida in his final season.

“There’s some key components, I mean Ventrell Miller is as good of a human being as I’ve been around in my career. I can’t compliment him enough, his ability to affect the other players, his consistency as a person. There’s no wavering on his words, his actions, his care for other people,” Napier said. “Like he’s an old soul, he has the ability to see the big picture and really care for other people,” Napier said. “A very unique player and he’s a heck of a football player, so he in particular is one that I’ll remember for sure.”

Miller’s impact on and off the field seems unquantifiable, and hopefully he and the rest of their senior class can finish the rest of their final season with the Gators off strong. Florida faces Vanderbilt on the road in their next matchup, who is fresh off of snapping their 26-game conference losing streak after securing a win over Kentucky this weekend, their first SEC win since 2019.