How Billy Napier measures progress before the games are played

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Ultimately, first-year coach Billy Napier’s tenure at Florida will be defined by wins and losses.

The Gators open their inaugural season under Napier on Sept. 3 against Utah. That contest will be the first indicator of where his team — and program — truly stands.

However, he and his staff have spent the past seven months trying to assess and improve the roster. How does Napier measure progress before the games are played?

“That’s a good question. I think that’s one of the questions a lot of coaches are asking themselves often,” Napier said Friday. “What I really think about a lot is the improvement in each part of the organization, the improvement of each individual. I think you’ve got to be system oriented. We use the term ‘journey.’ You’ve seen that hashtag. We’ve got a lot of individuals going about their business here to improve and grow and develop.”

Napier will be judged on his W-L record, but the end results are only part of his process. The journey, as he alluded to, also represents how much progress has been made and what direction the program is headed.

“I’m evaluating, ‘Are we reaching our potential? Are we getting the most out of each individual? Are we getting the most out of each part of the organization? Are our systems improving? Are we becoming more efficient? Are we making the most of our opportunities?’ I think you’ve got to get consumed by the work,” Napier said. “A lot of times, everyone wants to get consumed with the destination. I really believe in creating urgency and focus. What do we need to do today to improve and put ourselves in better position? We’ll look up here in a little bit, but right now, we’ve got to stay in the present and focus on the work that is in front of us.”

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In other Florida football news

• Offensive observations and intel following the Gators’ fourth fall camp practice on Sunday.
• Defensive observations and intel following the Gators’ fourth fall camp practice on Sunday.
• Napier is pleased with his team’s carryover from installs and ownership at the player level.
• Napier’s attention to detail started with addressing undisciplined penalties from last season.
• The return of Chris Thomas Jr. to the roster is a “big deal” for Florida’s defensive tackle depth.
• Update on the status of cornerback Jaydon Hill and other UF players out with injury in camp.
• UF co-defensive coordinator and D-line coach Sean Spencer breaks down his position group.
• Randy Russell and James Robinson were two of six new Florida football grads this weekend.

UF recruiting roundup

• Co-DC Patrick Toney feels confident in Florida’s evaluation process and praises the recruiting staff.
• The Gators still lead for an in-state quarterback from the 2025 class after his Friday Night Lights visit.
• 2025 QB Antwann Hill “earned” an offer at Friday Night Lights and has set a return trip to Gainesville.
• A coveted 2025 tight end raves about his second experience in Gainesville and reels in a Gators offer.
• A thirteen-sack freshman season has Armondo Blount, a Florida offeree, on the national radar.

Gators sports roundup

• More than 30 student-athletes graduated this weekend at UF’s summer commencement ceremonies.

Let’s keep talking

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Gators Twitter updates

• Sights and sounds from UF fall camp:

Ready to work. 💪#GoGators | #jOURney pic.twitter.com/oamHvbjmg8

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) August 5, 2022

Set the tone.#GoGators | #jOURney pic.twitter.com/2kWf5WqthJ

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) August 6, 2022

• A new Gator Cam: Fall camp edition:

How many teeth do Gators have? 🤔

🎥 Gator Cam • Training Camp Edition pic.twitter.com/qR67U9fcov

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) August 5, 2022

• Randy Russell and James Robinson earn their degrees:

Time to turn the page, Gator 4ever 🐊 pic.twitter.com/jR5VFLITmk

— ✝️ (@randy_knows) August 6, 2022

On behaLf of the entire Dreadnaught FamiLy, we’d Like to send a speciaL congrats to our very own James Robinson for receiving his degree at the University of Florida!!! We’re aLL so very proud of you!!! #NulliSecundus pic.twitter.com/9hq9pyu6Q2

— Lakeland Football (@LHSDreadnaughts) August 6, 2022