Florida holds first fall practice Wednesday, exactly a month before opener
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If you’re looking for Florida coach Billy Napier or a member of his team over the next three weeks, be prepared to search under water.
The Swamp would be a good place to start.
“We’re getting ready to get in the submarine here and go under water for a while,” Napier said Tuesday.
Over the next 21 days, the Gators will hunker down in a team hotel and go through their inaugural training camp under Napier and his staff.
UF practices for the first time Wednesday at approximately 4:40 p.m. and again Thursday and Friday. However, those aren’t the only windows where Napier wants his players competing.
“As we get going here, I think in training camp it’s almost as if you’ve got to stay present, you’ve got to treat each opportunity throughout training camp as a very competitive event. Whether that’s sleep, what you eat, hydration, each lift opportunity, each recovery opportunity, each meeting, each walk-through, each practice. There are lots of opportunities to improve, to put yourself out there, to get feedback, to make the necessary adjustments
“I think we’ve got to be really intentional with our actions and really deliberate in terms of how we practice, create intensity as an organization, the urgency, the detail, the focus that’s required. This training camp is going to be difficult. It’s going to challenge the intangibles of not only the players, but the staff as well. I really love this time of year. You’re really developing the identity of your team. Individual players are developing their identities as competitors.”
Napier added that he and the coaches will put lot of information on the players in camp designed to build their mental toughness and get them “comfortable with getting uncomfortable” in order to break through barriers.
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“We want to have a tough-minded team that can handle adversity and overcome obstacles,” Napier said. “I think training camp presents those opportunities. First time for us to do training camp here in Florida. Really having high expectations and set the standard. We’ve got to hold each other accountable. Coaches, players, all the people in the organization doing their best and taking pride in their role. You know, really living life with some integrity here.
“Taking ownership. We’re going to make some mistakes along the way but making the necessary adjustments. I think that our team is excited about this opportunity. We’re going to work hard to build a strong foundation here, and overall, this is one of the best times of the year. Really the first opportunity for this entire group to work together at the same time if you really think about it big picture-wise.”
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In other Florida football news
- A team once divided, the Gators developed newfound “propinquity” in the offseason.
- Billy Napier’s Gators begin training camp with more discipline and attention to detail.
- Gators OC Rob Sale breaks down what UF’s offensive identity and scheme will entail.
- Gators Co-DC Patrick Toney discusses his “Creeper” blitzes and third-down philosophy.
- Defensive lineman Gervon Dexter embraces his updated roles in UF’s new-look defense.
- Fatherhood has been “a blessing” for Dexter, who welcomed a baby boy this offseason.
UF recruiting roundup
- UF cornerback commit Sharif Denson shares his visit plans after landing an Alabama offer.
Gators sports roundup
- UF athletics recognizes donor Hugh Hathcock by honoring his name on its stadium suite tower.
Let’s keep talking
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Gators Twitter updates
- The Gators officially report for fall training camp:
- Feleipe Franks is catching on at tight end with the Falcons.
- Some Gator-on-Gator crime between Kyle Pitts and Teez Tabor.
