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Billy Napier compares Anthony Richardson to Dak Prescott, Cam Newton

Untitled designby:Nick de la Torre•09/10/22•

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Photo courtesy of UAA Communications

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Anyone that didn’t know the name Anthony Richardson was given a crash course last Saturday. The redshirt sophomore led the Florida Gators to a 29-26 win over then No. 7 Utah in spectacular fashion.

Richardson rushed for 106 yards and three touchdowns. He threw for 168 yards and completed 70.8 percent of his passes. He also had a highlight reel 45-yard touchdown run.

“He’s somewhere between Dak Prescott and Cam Newton,” Florida head coach Billy Napier said Saturday on SEC Nation. “He’s a really inexperienced player. If you really evaluate his career, everybody likes to talk about his physical traits. I’ve been impressed with the humility. The guy’s really growing and learning as a leader. He’s really intelligent. He processes things really well. I think he’s only going to continue to get better.”

Richardson was obviously pleased with the result in week one but he wasn’t content with his individual performance.

“It was nerves for sure, the first few drives I messed up on a couple things, forgot some motions. I was a little jittery. It was definitely fun though. The first start here in The Swamp. Second career start. I was definitely in my head a little bit,” Richardson said after the Utah game. “The game was fun. Shout out to Utah. Shout out to my teammates. I was definitely a little jittery.”

Richardson’s home debut earns several accolades

The hype around Richardson is growing quickly. This week CBS Sports released an NFL mock draft that has Richardson going third overall. He was named the Davey O’Brien Award National Quarterback of the Week.

With his inclusion on the season-opening list, Richardson is officially added to the Davey O’Brien Midseason Watch List. He was also the SEC Offensive Player of the Week.

Stoops knows the Cats have a challenge

Every team that plays the Gators this season will need to figure out how to slow down Richardson. Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops was asked about Kentucky’s plan to do that on Saturday.

“It’s tough to single out any one thing,” Stoops said about what makes Richardson a threat. “Heck, he has a talented arm, you know, I think everyone is going to say what an athlete he is, but the guy can rip it as well. He can throw the football.”

Can Kentucky stop Richardson? Can anyone stop the hottest name in college football?

Florida and Kentucky will kick off at 7:00 pm on ESPN from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

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