Everything Billy Napier said on the SEC teleconference for Week 1

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Each week the SEC holds a teleconference for all 16 head coaches in the league. Billy Napier took his turn Wednesday to address the opener against Long Island, the Gators’ defense, the Florida-FSU rivalry and more.

Here’s everything Napier said on the SEC Teleconference.

Billy Napier’s opening statement

BILLY NAPIER: “Excited for the opportunity to be at home in the opener. Obviously, 13 straight sellouts and got a chance to be an incredible atmosphere on Saturday night. I do think that it’s important for our veterans to lead the way. And also think that these opportunities are sacred and we prepare so much in this game and we get to play so few. And I do think that our team is off to a good start so far this week from a preparations standpoint. But in general, we gotta continue to stay focused on the work here the next couple of days.”

On establishing a championship caliber defense:

BILLY NAPIER: “There’s a lot of things that contribute to that. I do think that number one, we have more competitive depth than we’ve ever had, and we also have some veteran players that I think provide really good leadership. We also have Coach Roberts going into year two, which I think we will benefit from and a couple new assistant coaches over there that I think have done a really good job. And don’t forget that this is our fourth year in the system. Although we’ve had different coordinators, I think we’ve been able to keep the same system intact, and that’s helped the players develop. But I do see a little bit more maturity on that side of the ball. And I think that in particular, the secondary group has grown up quite a bit over the last couple of years. So look, we have the potential to play championship caliber defense, but we have to go do that when the time comes. So, you gotta prove it on the field, but I do think the makeup of that group not only from a talent perspective, but also from a mindset is a positive for our team right now.”

How Florida’s momentum from last year carrying over into the offseason:

BILLY NAPIER: “I think that there was a belief factor that maybe resonated that hasn’t before. This was the first time in our tenure that we have finished strong in the regular season and postseason, and I do think that that belief in what we do and how we do it has helped our offseason. I think our players have a certain level of confidence that’s built around how we prepare. Their work, their confidence in each other, and ultimately some guys that have played a lot of football around here. So I think, we still have, about 30 percent of the team is new, and I think it’s critical that we onboard those guys the right way here as we start the season. To get the result you want on gameday, you have to execute your process throughout the week a certain way, and I think that’s where our focus is at right now.”

On the team depth and if he has any questions about it:

BILLY NAPIER: “Well, I think the big thing right now after practicing for a few days is can our twos and rotational threes that don’t have experience handle the in-season workload? You know, new information, new personnel, new gameplan, a little bit different structure and rhythm to the week, right? So we have to get those guys in a place where they know what’s coming next and they can execute their plan, and be well-prepared and play with confidence. In my opinion, that’s going to determine how good we can be, is the response of that group here now that we’re into the season and they’re doing some things that maybe they haven’t done before. So, we have work to do. I think the twos and rotational threes that went yesterday, in general, I think our attention to detail needs to be a little bit better. But we do have some vets that I think are capable of being great examples and kind of taking that group under their wings as we go here.”

On preserving the Florida-FSU rivalry after moving to nine SEC games:

BILLY NAPIER: “That game is historical in relevance and certainly it’s not going away. Not only would our people not let that happen but I know their administration, their alumni, their fanbase would feel the same way. I mean we’re going to play that game regardless. If they told us we had 11 conference games, we would still play Florida-Florida State. It’s one of the, If not the greatest, one of the greatest rivalries of all time and a pretty special opportunity for both teams each year.”

On the next steps for Aidan Mizell to have a breakout season: 

BILLY NAPIER: “Well I think Aidan has matured quite a bit since he’s gotten here. I think he was a little bit of a late bloomer. I think physically he’s matured. I think his body was still growing, still changing early in our tenure here. Just in general I think he needs to continue to focus on his availability, his durability, his ability to handle the workload at that position, and then his physicality, his play strength, how he plays without the ball as a blocker, and then certainly his role on special teams. We know that he’s a really good player as a run after catch player, as a vertical stretch player. He’s capable in those areas, those are his strengths, but I think he needs to continue to develop as a route runner, just the entire route tree inside and outside, and then those things I mentioned before. He brings a lot of great things to the table, but I think he’ll need to continue to work hard on some of those areas where he needs to improve.”