Billy Napier assesses the Gators' performance in second scrimmage

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Two weeks ahead of the 2022 season opener, the Gators held their second scrimmage of fall training camp on Saturday.

After weather forced the first scrimmage indoors, the Florida football team was able to practice in The Swamp this weekend. UF coach Billy Napier assessed his team’s performance Sunday.

“Obviously just finished up with the second scrimmage. I think there was a lot of good on the tape, obviously a lot of things that we need to work on and areas that we need to improve,” Napier said.

Napier first discussed the play of his defense, which had starting linebacker Ventrell Miller back in the lineup. Safety Donovan McMillon ended the scrimmage with an interception, but Napier wasn’t pleased with the missed tackles.

“Just overall, defensively I think more consistency across the board (is needed),” Napier said. “I thought we maybe didn’t have one of our better tackling days. I thought we tackled really well last week and then it hasn’t been much of an issue throughout, but more missed tackles than we’d like.

“And then I think there’s a focus on gap identity, and that starts with alignment. Sometimes that’s a simple thing that gets overlooked but being aligned correctly up front at the second level, playing with the correct leverage in the backend. And then just in general, the zone fits, the gap fits, all these things will be imperative as we approach the opener.”

After throwing some interceptions in the first scrimmage, starting quarterback Anthony Richardson took care of the ball Saturday while Jalen Kitna and Kyle Engel kept battling for the Gators’ backup job with Jack Miller III sidelined for two games.

“We were much improved offensively in that area (turnovers). Now, it’s twofold. You want your defense to create takeaways. We didn’t turn it over on offense until the last play of the scrimmage in a two-minute situation,” Napier said. “Offensively, I think just another level of detail is out there. And I think that goes with we’re caring a lot right now, so the volume, the concepts, whatever the case may be. But as we narrow it down, we’re going to need to improve our detail.”

Napier expressed confidence Sunday in his four running backs and top eight offensive linemen but acknowledged that Florida’s receivers and tight ends must get better.

“I think the perimeter play needs to improve. The tight ends on the edges, the receivers not only in the run game but all the perimeter concepts,” Napier said. “And then situationally, missed some opportunities in the red area. I thought we had some chances to really break it open and we didn’t do that. That’s an area two weeks in a row where we can be better.”

Napier added that the Gators’ kicker position will be evaluated more ahead of the opener and the starter is still to be determined. Walk-on Adam Mihalek and true freshman Trey Smack are competing for the job.

“I think special teams wise, we need to continue to get better specialists play,” Napier said. “And then obviously we’re working on developing a two-deep here. Who are our four core players? We had a conversation this morning about if we were to play on the road right now, who would be the 70 players that would make the bus? And I think special teams affects that. We all understand that special teams is about one-on-one battles and I think that we’ve gotta win more of those.”