Billy Napier details Gators who transformed their bodies this summer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida coach Billy Napier shared what he called some “really interesting” numbers from the offseason program to open his media day press conference Sunday for the start of fall camp. The Gators hold their first practice on Monday.

When the team takes the field, there will be several players who have transformed their bodies since spring ball ended and dating back to January. Napier provided a detailed breakdown on the Gators who made the biggest gains and losses this year.

“Some really interesting numbers here,” Napier said. “We had 53 players that set records for max velocity this summer, which I think was really positive. T.J. Searcy gained 12 pounds of muscle since January; Jalen Kimber has gained eight pounds since April of muscle; Jack Pyburn, 10 pounds of muscle mass since January. His body fat percentage went down 6 percent. Really Jack did a terrific job.

“Jason Marshall Jr., seven pounds of lean muscle. A couple guys, Princely [Umanmielen] had a fantastic summer. He maxed in all three lifts, all three core lifts, bench, squat, clean. He improved his max velocity, gained 10 pounds of lean muscle, and he lost seven pounds of fat mass. Really good summer there.”

Napier also singled out a few early enrollees who made significant strides physically, along with some gains by quarterback transfer Graham Mertz and top receiver Ricky Pearsall.

“I do think Tony Livingston, this guy has gained 28 pounds of muscle since January, so there’s two Dexes worth of information. Bryce Lovett gained 10 pounds of muscle and lost 10 pounds of fat. There’s others, Andy Jean, nine pounds of lean mass; Graham Mertz gained four pounds of lean muscle; Ricky Pearsall, four pounds of lean muscle, actually decreased his body fat slightly,” Napier said. “Got a lot of guys using the resources. I thought the buy-in was much improved, and I think we’ve benefitted from being in the Heavener Center. Overall, really pleased with that part of our team.”

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According to Mark Hocke, UF’s associate head coach and director of football strength and conditioning, the team’s numbers in the weight room aren’t the only thing trending. Hocke’s encouraged by the culture that’s been developed through the offseason program as much as he is physical gains.

“The first thing I want to say is I think the culture is trending, and that’s because of the hard work of this football team. The quickest way to become a dangerous football team is to get your most talented players to have the most intangibles, for them to be the best examples. Without that, it’s a recipe for disaster,” Hocke said. “… I think you’re always going to have a mixed bag as far as did everyone hit this number on Power Clean, did everyone hit this number on max velocity, speed work, whatever. You’ll have a mixed bag. I think the majority trended in the right direction, and that’s what you’re really looking for.

“The way I’ve always seen it, and I could be wrong, I’m looking at the culture because I feel like that’s what I need to have my ear to the ground on. I think that’s more important than just a Power Clean number or max velo number. What type of people do we have? Are they selfish or are they grateful? How do they operate as a unit? Those are the things that I think are more important, the intangibles.”