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Billy Napier understands criticism, believes in Florida Gators system for transfer portal

Untitled designby:Nick de la Torre•05/04/23•

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Florida HC Billy Napier
Icon Sportswire | Contributor PhotoG | Getty

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier’s head isn’t in the sand. He’s heard the concerns and complaints about his transfer portal strategy over the last three weeks. Napier once likened the transfer portal to speed dating. However, the 43-year-old head coach has his process and he isn’t changing that.

“I would gladly welcome that criticism,” Napier said to reporters in Sarasota prior to a Gator Club meeting. “The portal players that we have added to our team all have contributed to our team. I would say one that I’m extremely particular about is our evaluation process and I think it’s one of the reasons we have this job.”

That evaluation process is thorough. It takes time. Napier and his army of staffers take a “leave no stone unturned” approach. That means combing through and examining medical records dating back to — at times — high school.

“You call a high school, there’s an injury history. Sometimes there’s things you’re unaware of,” Napier said. “You’ve got to flip over every rock. Sometimes our process doesn’t fit the timeline and we lose out on a situation. It is what it is. We’re not going to speed through that process.”

Billy Napier remains steadfast in his approach

The proof is in the pudding. Three players followed him from Louisiana, which some may discount. Their impact cannot be discounted. One of those players was a consensus All-American, one led the team in rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns in 2022, and the other is a potential future starter on the offensive line.

Ricky Pearsall was a late addition in the second transfer portal window. He was the best receiver on the team in 2022 and will likely be again this year.

In the first portal window, Napier and the Gators brought in a starting linebacker in Teradja Mitchell, a starting defensive tackle in Cam Jackson, and two SEC transfers who could both find starting jobs on the offensive line in Kiyaunta Goodwin and Damieon George.

Billy Napier’s process, while not as quick as many would like, has hit. It’s clear he understands the importance of finding success in the transfer portal.

The Gators have secured one commitment during the second transfer portal window from Michigan safety RJ Moten. He filled a huge need for veteran leadership in the room and he’ll have a chance to win a starting job.

RELATED: Former Gator Ron Moten describes ‘emotional’ return to Florida as son RJ commits

Moten has been the only player that entered the transfer portal in April to visit. Homework was done. Evaluations were passed. A commitment was secured.

While he was the first, Napier doesn’t expect that to remain the case. They’re working. It may not be public, but Napier insists their efforts in the portal will yield more transfers — and results.

“That’s one of the things that we have conviction about. That’s probably at the top of my list in terms of how we go about doing that,” Napier said.

“It’s worked for us, that’s what I would tell you. I think we’ll see next year it works again. We’ll keep doing what we do.” 

Florida Gators’ track record in the transfer portal

PlayerPositionPrevious school
Ricky PearsallWRArizona State
Montrell JohnsonRBLouisiana
Jalen KimberCBGeorgia
Jack MillerQBOhio State
Micah LeonQBN.C. State / UConn
Graham MertzQBWisconsin
Teradja MitchellLBOhio State
Deuce SpurlockLBMichigan
Cam CarrollRBTulane
Mannie NunneryLBHouston
Micah MazzccuaOLBaylor
Kamryn WaitesOLLouisiana
Damieon GeorgeOLAlabama
Kiyaunta GoodwinOLKentucky
O’Cyrus Torrence OL Louisiana
RJ Moten LBMichigan

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