Good Morning Gators: Napier challenges team; Golden era begins at UF
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The Florida football team returns to the practice field Thursday and will have a third of spring ball completed.
The Gators have had four practices so far under new coach Billy Napier and his staff, including two in full pads.
Following Tuesday’s practice, Napier gave an opening statement about his players through the first week. The effort has been there, he said, but their mindset must improve.
“No. 4 right? I think the big thing I want our players to comprehend is kind of got to take these limits off of what we can accomplish here,” Napier said. “Regardless of the circumstances, regardless of the past, regardless of what hasn’t happened before, you really got a choice to make. You can complain and remain the same or you can wake up every day and make a decision and you can commit and work toward the possibilities.
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“I think we got to leave the excuses behind here. I really believe in our players right now. It’s all about a change in their thinking. If they can do that, they can change their lives. A lot of that has nothing to do with football but it’s where we’re at as a whole here. I’m very pleased with the effort from the players. Obviously, the execution we got a long way to go in that area. But so far so good here.”
Below are some highlights from spring ball. The Gators will have their first scrimmage next Thursday, March 31.
In other Florida football news
- Napier talks Fenley Graham’s position change and how he’s transitioned to wide receiver this spring.
- Legendary former Florida coach Steve Spurrier will receive this year’s Distinguished Citizen Award.
UF recruiting roundup
- Gators Online’s Corey Bender explains his trio of On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine picks that favor the Gators.
- After hauling in an offer March 14, four-star defensive lineman Xzavier McLeod has penciled in a visit with UF.
- After making his second visit to Gainesville last weekend, 2023 DB RJ Johnson says Florida is making a move.
- 2023 tight end Reid Mikeska landed a UF offer Wednesday and gave the program strong first review.
Gators sports roundup
- After interviewing “several” candidates, Scott Stricklin landed his No. 1 pick in new coach Todd Golden.
- Stricklin reacts to Mike White bolting for another school, which didn’t concern Golden about the job.
- WATCH: Golden is welcomed to Gainesville by UF legends, including Bradley Beal, Al Horford and Jason Williams.
Let’s keep talking
Want to keep the conversation going? Head over to our Florida message board, Swamp Talk. Gators Online is running a spring camp promo. Sign up here and join the discussion for just $10, which will cover the next four months.
Gators Twitter updates
- Highlights from Golden’s introductory press conference on Wednesday inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center Atrium.
- Nine Florida football players went to Atlanta over spring break for a weekend experience with the Falcons organization.
