What they said: Key quotes from Billy Napier, players after the Florida Gators spring game

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators concluded camp on Thursday night with their annual spring game, as the Orange team defeated the Blue 10-7 on a game-winning field goal by Trey Smack from 46 yards.

The Gators’ defensive units stole the show in The Swamp, combining for 9.0 sacks, 14.0 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hurries and forcing a fumble inside the red zone. The QBs faced pressure all night long.

Graham Mertz and Jack Miller III both threw a touchdown in the second quarter, with Miller finding a wide-open Marcus Burke for a 16-yard score and then Mertz hitting Kahleil Jackson from 10 yards out.

Mertz finished 18 of 29 for 244 yards with five sacks, while Miller completed 10 of 20 pass attempts for 144 yards with three sacks. They took care of the ball, although both had a potential pick dropped.

Here are five key quotes from Gators coach Billy Napier, Mertz, Miller and defensive lineman Tyreak Sapp after the game.

Napier on the Gators D:

“I think the pocket was a little muddy tonight. That’s one thing I would say. Standing out there behind it, I think the defensive line, the pressure created issues. Got some unique players. Kingsley [Eguakun] was out today. Obviously struggled a little bit with some consistency as a result of that, some things that caused issues with the flow of the game. Overall, that was the big issue in my opinion.

“I didn’t think the pocket was very clean. So, I do think (the QBs) made some plays as the pocket broke down. They had to make a few plays with their feet. But overall, it was fast, it was physical out there. I think defensively in particular we tackled well, and I think they did a good job mixing it up. You know, the pressure was a factor tonight.”

Napier on the QB battle:

“I think that both guys did some good things, and I think there was going to be a lot of things that each guy can learn from. They both had an opportunity to play with two groups of players. Not only with the first and second unit, but they’re going against a different defense, right? I think there’s certainly a difference there. But, overall, both guys did some things well.

“Certainly, there’s some game management things I think they could do better, but there’s no price for that experience, and I think we have really good film that we have an opportunity to teach from. There’s nothing like putting the ball down and playing the situations as they come, but I would say that it wasn’t quite as clean on our offense as maybe what we’ve been seeing in a practice setting for sure.”

Mertz on his performance:

“A little frustrated. Couldn’t get the ball rolling. And then when something big would happen, we kind of got set back a little bit. It all comes down to execution. I mean, I’m definitely not satisfied with it. We did do some good things. I think that skill players made a lot of plays. Ricky [Pearsall] right before halftime made a great catch on the sideline.

“Guys definitely went out there and played, and I think that was fun, getting under the lights in The Swamp. I wouldn’t say even close to satisfied. I think that’s why we all play this game. I think that’s why the coaches coach. We’re addicted to always getting better.”

Miller on his spring game:

“I feel like this year I felt a lot more prepared for it. I felt a lot more comfortable out there. I feel like I played a little bit better than I did last year. Still not as good as I would have liked, but definitely seeing improvement.

“I felt like sitting in the pocket and kind of getting through reads faster, knowing what routes are good against what coverage and what play is not good against what coverage. I think that’s the biggest step I’ve taken in the past year.”

Sapp on Florida’s starters:

“We played with a chip on our shoulder. We understood what today was. It was just a day to clean up everything, just to be the best version of yourself from now on. We all did that. Just knowing we took that step to being a team that can be formidable, that can be a force on defense that people have to be, you can fear this defense. I’m glad we did.

“Today we were hitting on all cylinders from the safeties to the corners to the linebackers and the D-line, us up front. I thought we took advantage. Today was about taking advantage of the day and just getting the most out of it we could. I think we did that as a whole.”