Florida head coach Bill Napier discusses the challenges of facing Texas and DJ Lagway's health
As Florida readies to take on the No. 5 Texas Longhorns, Gators head coach Billy Napier is preparing his team for a formidable challenge on the road. Napier expressed regard for Texas, pointing out the Longhorns’ talent, depth, and experience at every position, with a specific focus on their athleticism and game-planning.
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“Texas is a very talented roster, I think from top to bottom at every position. It’s elite height, length, speed, athleticism,” Napier said.
Per Napier, the Longhorns have an established quarterback leading the offense, supported by a skillful, experienced group that includes a strong offensive line. Napier highlighted Texas’ skill positions, emphasizing that “they have a veteran quarterback and they have a rebuilt skill group around him and a handful of offensive linemen that have really good experience as well.”
The third-year Florida coach also mentioned Texas’ special teams excel with explosive returners and a philosophy that challenges opponents. “The returners are dynamic in the kicking game, and just in general, the athleticism and philosophy that they play with… presents a number of issues. We’ll have to be buttoned up there,” Napier commented.
Jeff Banks‘ special teams have not been as good as in previous years but Napier is correct, it’s still a dangerous group.
On the defensive side, Texas top-ranked defense poses a formidable challenge across all three levels. Napier described them as “explosive” and disciplined, playing with a clear identity and strategy. “Defensively, I think [we’re] really impressed with the overall makeup of that group,” he noted. “They’ve got an identity, they’ve got a blueprint. I think they do a good job of playing situational football as well.”
Napier knows that the circumstances of this game—a road matchup with an early kickoff—will require extra focus and resilience from his team. “The makeup of the team going on the road to their place, obviously the early kick, and given where our team is at, our ability to re-center and begin our preparation will be really important today,” Napier explained.
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Florida needs to rebound after a close, hard-fought loss to No. 2 Georgia. Compounding Napier’s issues, he lost freshman phenom quarterback DJ Lagway to a hamstring injury in the first half of last week’s game.
Fortunately for the Gators, Napier received promising news about Lagway’s health. “The good news is, we’ve had positive information on that front,” Napier said. “We do think the injury is less significant. We do think there’s a pathway for recovery and a return.”
While Lagway’s return this week is unlikely — the Horns will almost certainly face Aidan Warner ($) — the prognosis is encouraging for Florida. “We have not completely ruled him out,” Napier shared. However, Napier stressed that the decision will become clearer as the week progresses, with a more definitive update expected closer to game day. “A lot of that will be determined as we move our way throughout the week… we’ll get to Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.”
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With Lagway’s status still uncertain, Napier’s focus will remain on meticulous preparation and a disciplined approach as Florida heads into what promises to be a challenging matchup.
