Richard Gouraige reveals which veterans have stepped up as leaders

The Billy Napier Era is just about underway at Florida as the Gators start to report to training camp. Ahead of the season, offensive lineman Richard Gouraige discussed which players are stepping up as leaders in 2022.

Gouraige appeared at SEC Media Days last month and named a few players who’ve emerged, including quarterback Anthony Richardson. Richardson, who also made the trip to Atlanta for Media Days, is gearing up to help replace Emory Jones, who left for Arizona State via the transfer portal.

All told, Gouraige said plenty of players are preparing to step up this season.

“Myself, Gervon Dexter, you’ve got [Kingsley] Eguakun, you’ve got Anthony Richardson,” Gouraige said. “The list goes on, man. The veteran guys definitely know the Gator Standard, what to live by. They’ve been doing a great job so far.”

Gouraige started all 12 games last season for the Gators and is poised to anchor the offensive line again under Napier in 2022. Florida gets its season started Sept. 3 with a Week 1 showdown against Utah at The Swamp.

Richard Gouraige gives early impression of Billy Napier

Gouraige also discussed some of the things he’s learned from his first few months with new head coach Billy Napier, including his “disappointed dad” look.

“Every time he’s disappointed, it’s like a disappointed dad a little bit,” Gouraige said during his time at the podium. “He’s like, ‘Come on, man,’ I’m like alright, I know what I did wrong. Having him on the team has been phenomenal for the guys. He’s a great leader.

Reporters asked Gouraige about how Napier demands his players carry around writing utensils, which was a tidbit Ventrell Miller let slip during his press conference. It shows Napier’s old-school style of operating but also his attention to organization and detail.

“Coach Napier preaches that we should always bring pen and paper because he says writing things down will help you process and take in information, you’ll always remember looking at that paper. He preaches just taking it day by day, keep getting each other better, don’t worry about the future. That’s his overall message.”