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Florida football held its first intrasquad scrimmage of the 2025 spring practice season on Tuesday inside Bun Hill Griffin Stadium, starting the countdown to the final event — the Orange and Blue game held on Saturday, April 12.
The biggest question for the Gators coming into camp is the status of incumbent starting quarterback DJ Lagway, who has been dealing with some physical health issues that have limited his action on the field. Of course, there are plenty of other issues that Billy Napier and Co. need to address early on, and these scrimmages give him and his staff an opportunity to see where the program's strengths and weaknesses lay.
After the gridiron action, Napier spoke with the media about Tuesday's session as well as Florida sports as a whole — including both the men's and women's basketball teams. Take a loo below at what he had to offer.
"First of all, women's basketball, congratulations to their team. I thought the resiliency, the character they showed, and the way they finished, obviously a tough (loss to Minnesota). But just in general, the progress that that program is making, and obviously Kelly Rae (Finley) and her family, the things that she's dealing with. So just really proud of them.
"Certainly Todd (Golden) and his team, man they're a fun group to watch, and they have a unique team chemistry, togetherness it just jumps off the screen. So I'm excited about taking the boys to San Antonio to watch him play Saturday."
"So we got a lot of good work today, and we stayed healthy. I thought, for the most part, really productive day. I did not think that we started fast. I thought that early in the scrimmage, we were kind of knocking the cobwebs off. But I would say that the second, third, fourth quarter of the game today was really some good effort on the deal.
"I thought it was physical, and I think we have to make progress and work towards being a tough-minded group, a fundamentally sound group, and then one that can handle the adversity and momentum — whether it's at home against a formidable public or some of these road games, some of these venues that we have to deal with.
"A lot of situational football, but in general a ton of progress. We came in here Saturday, I thought we had our best football practice of the spring, and then today took a step forward. So in general it was a very positive day."
"I thought for the most part when the pocket was clean that they were effective. I thought Aidan [Warner], in particular, did a lot of good things. I do think that we've got some legit rushers on defense, and I think that it was very competitive relative to protecting the quarterback, affecting the quarterback. Thought we tipped some balls. There would have been quite a few quarterback hits today just standing back there behind them.
"But I do think that both guys did a lot of positive things. Aidan, in particular, early I thought was really sharp."
"Yeah, I'm excited."
"He's doing great. He actually played quite a few plays today. So he was able to participate in the scrimmage. He's just been modified in terms of his ability to throw the ball. Obviously, it's really a more of a holistic approach in terms of what we're doing with him. But in general, he's doing great.
"Today he played every play from behind. He stood back there with me, got the play call. We've been having him call some plays in seven-on-seven drills, just to kind of reiterate that communication. I think we've given him some leadership assignments. We're doing a ton of walkthrough rooms, in the Gator Room and the Heavener Center.
"So overall, he continues to get a little bit better each day."
"I think the backs and the receiver group, even the tight ends, made a few plays today. Hayden Hansen had a couple really impressive plays. I thought that (Aidan) Mizell, his ability to run after the catch I thought today that showed up. He had a big touchdown early. I thought we did a nice job blocking on the perimeter. We took advantage of some of the uncovered perimeter throws. But in general, I would say the offensive skill today, there was a lot of good things."
"One of the things I've been impressed with him is he has developed a voice as a leader. I think he's a guy who came in was under-recruited, a guy that had to do the hard work to develop - get himself in shape. Truly has earned everything he's been given here. Went from the bottom of the depth chart, relatively unknown until the last off-season, spring practice, training camp, and all of a sudden, he worked his way into the rotation there.
"Took advantage of Treyaun being injured, and then here we go. So he is one of the better leaders, in my opinion, on the team. I think that that's going to be pivotal for our team going forward. He's extremely competitive."
"Yeah, the linebacker group is impressive. You know, I think just in general, that group was very physical today and made some impressive plays. I think that J-Rob is intelligent. I think his football intelligence shows up. This is a guy who played safety, then played kind of an apex nickel position, then moved in to play stack-backer in year one here. I just think he keeps getting better.
"But he's a great communicator, he's got really good understanding of the system and I think he makes all the other players around him better. Last year, in particular, he and Pup [Grayson Howard], you know, we would mix and match those rookies, put those guys in the game with those young players. So I thought the 'backer group as a whole was impressive today. Aaron Chiles had some great physical plays. Myles Graham. Ty Jackson continues to flash.
"So that's a good group as a whole, and certainly J Rob. And look, we get Pup back, you know, he's going to eventually be back. We consider that one of the better groups in the country, in my opinion, at that position."
"Yeah, I think that it's forcing (Jordan) Castell — Castell's having to play with some different players, and that's making him better. We talked about being a four-dimensional Gator, you know, he's out there yelling it out today. So I think it's forced him to not assume. I think you get comfortable if you got Bryce (Thornton) out there, when you got Sharif (Denson) and Aaron (Gates).
You know, obviously, Aaron and Bryce and Jordan played a ton together, and then Sharif. So there's a comfort. It's kind of like the offensive line I think continuity is a big deal. But now, okay, I got these two rookies that haven't played a ton of football. So that's forced him, you know, hey, you look over there, there's Greg Smith and Josiah [Davis] out there, and that's forcing him to kind of be a great communicator.
"So as we get Bryce back, as we AG back, Sharif back, even (Dijon Johnson), that secondary group's got a chance to be really special. It has allowed Greg to make a lot of progress. You know, I think that Stubbs and Lagonza (Hayward) have gotten more and more reps.
"So I think that those vets, man, I think at the end of the year, they were playing as good as anybody. And I think this is going to prove to be valuable time for some of those young players."
"Yeah, I think in general, we didn't start very well today. But I think as we settled in, I thought that we were pretty good. You know, I think first couple possessions of the day, we almost had to get lathered up a little bit. But, you know, as we got into it, I thought it was pretty good. We had some interceptions today, made some plays on some balls.
"I do think that the defensive staff, there's a ton of experience in the system. I think for Deron, obviously, he's worked with Ron (Roberts') tree, being with Pete Golding at UTSA, obviously, his time at Arkansas, there's a ton of concept carry over. He was here for a year.
"And then Vinnie on the back end, you know, his experience in Alabama, certainly with the Patriots, there's a ton of carryover. For him it's a little bit more translation. And then coach (Robert) Bala has coached this system for a number of years. So, that's where I think we're probably a little farther ahead. I think those guys hit the ground running.
"Just in general, we're getting lined up and we're playing fast. I think the rush, the coverage, is working well together. First, second and third level. I think we're a little farther ahead just because of the veteran players, and then I think it's year four in the system, so playing much faster. We get these vets back on the D-line, secondary, we got a chance to be pretty good over there."
"I mean, I'm not saying - I just think it was competitive. I think we protected pretty well for the most part. But I mean, there were sacks, there were pressures, there were QB hits in the game, but you got a ton of third down and long work. You got two minute, ton of passing situations.
"So I think some of the young rushers are good, like Jayden is a factor. Kofi (Asare) continues to make progress. He's showing up. So those two young guys, I've been very pleased with the progress Caden Jones and Fletcher Westphal have made. Those guys are coming into their own a little bit.
"So, and then, obviously, Bryce (Lovett) is doing a great job. You know, in general, on the edges there, it's a battle. Kam (James), LJ (McCray), Tyreak (Sapp), (George) Gumbs, Jayden (Woods), Kofi (Asare). We got some guys that can rush. And you add a pressure into that, yeah. You know, some of those 'backers are pretty good, too."
"Yeah, just a slow start. I think most of our players would tell you the same thing. We lacked a little bit of energy in the very beginning, but it ramped up. It got competitive pretty quick. But, yeah, it's never going to be, you know, I'm never satisfied at this point. You know, there's a lot of stuff to clean up, but in general, I thought the effort, the attitude for probably two-thirds of the day was really good."
"I thought Tommy had a good day. Started the day well. We're close on a couple of hanging punts today. Some of that is the union as a whole. But yeah, the first punt of the day was a bomb. He's had some good days as of late. I think he'll be very effective for us. You know, I think he's experienced, and I think that'll prove to be valuable for our team."
"I think Cormani (McClain is) doing better year two. I think that Aaron Chiles is doing better. Trying to think of the guys that were true freshmen last year. Westphal has taken a step forward. I mean, I consider Caden Jones a little bit of a rookie because he was injured in year one. I think he's getting better. Mizell had a good day. Yeah, mean, I think those off the top of my head, I would say those the guys that, year one year two guys, that have made a big jump."
"KD. Good, yeah, I think KD's - I think the big thing for KD is he's getting better as a protector, that he's catching the ball better. He's getting in a rhythm where he's playing faster. He's being more decisive. But, yeah, KD has had some great days out there, and I think as he gets more experience in the games, he'll gain more confidence, but he's not lacking there, I think he's very capable."
"Yeah, I mean I just think it was extremely competitive. It was, I don't know, you'll ask some of these players. It was our first time as a team in the Swamp and we challenged them to kind of raise their level a little bit, kind of relish in what comes with that.
"I think we practiced in the morning and they showed up and we had juice from the very beginning, and it came down to the last play. The scoring system, we'll have to get a patent on this thing, it makes a difference for sure."
"They'll have every opportunity. I'll be excited about having a game. I'm excited about our fans being here, and there's no doubt they'll have an opportunity to watch all these new players that we have, and then a lot of these young players that we're developing. It's going to be an awesome day."
"Four starters coming back. I think we're deeper than we've ever been. I think we've got a ton of competition with that second group. In general, the best offensive line group we've had since we've been here as a whole.
I think the culture in that room is as good as it's ever been. I think that the coaches are doing an understanding job. The tape has been clean, it's been a lot of fun to watch. I think if you want to have a good team you got to be good up front. The game starts up front. If you're not good up there you got no shot.
"In general, the pride there, the leadership in that room, the relationships, the energy there, I think the relationships with the coaches. You got (Jake) Slaughter, (Austin) Barber, Knijeah (Harris), Damieon (George) are very experienced players. So I think anytime you got four out of five coming back it's a good thing. It's no different then when we get the secondary back, I think that will be a strength for us as well."
"No."
"He'll do the same things he's been doing in practice every day."
"Yeah, I love basketball."
"I appreciate his poise as a competitor. I think there's been a couple games, UConn, and then the game the other night, early when they're doing everything they can do to stop the guy, and then as the game goes he navigates that and keeps his poise and then he comes through in the clutch.
"I think he could have easily been frustrated a number of times, but it's just like he's waiting for the opportunity and he's gonna make the play when given that chance. He's kind of really come into his own in my opinion as a competitor and you can't help but respect it. It's one thing to be a productive player, score a bunch, it's another thing to make those shots when it counts.
"And I think that his confidence and that poise; those three guards in general, their toughness, their leadership, their poise. All three of those guys, if you evaluate each game, parts of the game each one has kind of carried the team. Veteran teams win championships. They're definitely Final Four. It's been a while."
"One thing is for sure, Dexter is proud of his boy from Polk County."
"Absolutely. I think that carries over. It's one of the great things about the spring semester at the University of Florida, somebody is competing for an SEC Championship and a National Championship, and oftentimes it's multiple teams. It's great to see that the basketball program has made, and even our women's team has created some momentum for themselves here.
"I'm extremely proud of those guys. There's no doubt, there's an energy around it."
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Billy Napier talks Florida football's first spring scrimmage
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The biggest question for the Gators coming into camp is the status of incumbent starting quarterback DJ Lagway, who has been dealing with some physical health issues that have limited his action on the field. Of course, there are plenty of other issues that Billy Napier and Co. need to address early on, and these scrimmages give him and his staff an opportunity to see where the program's strengths and weaknesses lay.
After the gridiron action, Napier spoke with the media about Tuesday's session as well as Florida sports as a whole — including both the men's and women's basketball teams. Take a loo below at what he had to offer.
Billy Napier on Florida's basketball teams
"First of all, women's basketball, congratulations to their team. I thought the resiliency, the character they showed, and the way they finished, obviously a tough (loss to Minnesota). But just in general, the progress that that program is making, and obviously Kelly Rae (Finley) and her family, the things that she's dealing with. So just really proud of them.
"Certainly Todd (Golden) and his team, man they're a fun group to watch, and they have a unique team chemistry, togetherness it just jumps off the screen. So I'm excited about taking the boys to San Antonio to watch him play Saturday."
Talking about Florida's first spring scrimmage
"So we got a lot of good work today, and we stayed healthy. I thought, for the most part, really productive day. I did not think that we started fast. I thought that early in the scrimmage, we were kind of knocking the cobwebs off. But I would say that the second, third, fourth quarter of the game today was really some good effort on the deal.
"I thought it was physical, and I think we have to make progress and work towards being a tough-minded group, a fundamentally sound group, and then one that can handle the adversity and momentum — whether it's at home against a formidable public or some of these road games, some of these venues that we have to deal with.
"A lot of situational football, but in general a ton of progress. We came in here Saturday, I thought we had our best football practice of the spring, and then today took a step forward. So in general it was a very positive day."
On Florida's quarterback play
"I thought for the most part when the pocket was clean that they were effective. I thought Aidan [Warner], in particular, did a lot of good things. I do think that we've got some legit rushers on defense, and I think that it was very competitive relative to protecting the quarterback, affecting the quarterback. Thought we tipped some balls. There would have been quite a few quarterback hits today just standing back there behind them.
"But I do think that both guys did a lot of positive things. Aidan, in particular, early I thought was really sharp."
On Napier attending Final Four with his sons
"Yeah, I'm excited."
On DJ Lagway's progression
"He's doing great. He actually played quite a few plays today. So he was able to participate in the scrimmage. He's just been modified in terms of his ability to throw the ball. Obviously, it's really a more of a holistic approach in terms of what we're doing with him. But in general, he's doing great.
"Today he played every play from behind. He stood back there with me, got the play call. We've been having him call some plays in seven-on-seven drills, just to kind of reiterate that communication. I think we've given him some leadership assignments. We're doing a ton of walkthrough rooms, in the Gator Room and the Heavener Center.
"So overall, he continues to get a little bit better each day."
Did any playmaker stand out?
"I think the backs and the receiver group, even the tight ends, made a few plays today. Hayden Hansen had a couple really impressive plays. I thought that (Aidan) Mizell, his ability to run after the catch I thought today that showed up. He had a big touchdown early. I thought we did a nice job blocking on the perimeter. We took advantage of some of the uncovered perimeter throws. But in general, I would say the offensive skill today, there was a lot of good things."
On Ja'Kobi Jackson and pairing with Jadan Baugh
"One of the things I've been impressed with him is he has developed a voice as a leader. I think he's a guy who came in was under-recruited, a guy that had to do the hard work to develop - get himself in shape. Truly has earned everything he's been given here. Went from the bottom of the depth chart, relatively unknown until the last off-season, spring practice, training camp, and all of a sudden, he worked his way into the rotation there.
"Took advantage of Treyaun being injured, and then here we go. So he is one of the better leaders, in my opinion, on the team. I think that that's going to be pivotal for our team going forward. He's extremely competitive."
On Jaden Robinson and Florida's young linebackers
"Yeah, the linebacker group is impressive. You know, I think just in general, that group was very physical today and made some impressive plays. I think that J-Rob is intelligent. I think his football intelligence shows up. This is a guy who played safety, then played kind of an apex nickel position, then moved in to play stack-backer in year one here. I just think he keeps getting better.
"But he's a great communicator, he's got really good understanding of the system and I think he makes all the other players around him better. Last year, in particular, he and Pup [Grayson Howard], you know, we would mix and match those rookies, put those guys in the game with those young players. So I thought the 'backer group as a whole was impressive today. Aaron Chiles had some great physical plays. Myles Graham. Ty Jackson continues to flash.
"So that's a good group as a whole, and certainly J Rob. And look, we get Pup back, you know, he's going to eventually be back. We consider that one of the better groups in the country, in my opinion, at that position."
On injuries in secondary, how others have stepped up
"Yeah, I think that it's forcing (Jordan) Castell — Castell's having to play with some different players, and that's making him better. We talked about being a four-dimensional Gator, you know, he's out there yelling it out today. So I think it's forced him to not assume. I think you get comfortable if you got Bryce (Thornton) out there, when you got Sharif (Denson) and Aaron (Gates).
You know, obviously, Aaron and Bryce and Jordan played a ton together, and then Sharif. So there's a comfort. It's kind of like the offensive line I think continuity is a big deal. But now, okay, I got these two rookies that haven't played a ton of football. So that's forced him, you know, hey, you look over there, there's Greg Smith and Josiah [Davis] out there, and that's forcing him to kind of be a great communicator.
"So as we get Bryce back, as we AG back, Sharif back, even (Dijon Johnson), that secondary group's got a chance to be really special. It has allowed Greg to make a lot of progress. You know, I think that Stubbs and Lagonza (Hayward) have gotten more and more reps.
"So I think that those vets, man, I think at the end of the year, they were playing as good as anybody. And I think this is going to prove to be valuable time for some of those young players."
On new defensive assistants meshing with program
"Yeah, I think in general, we didn't start very well today. But I think as we settled in, I thought that we were pretty good. You know, I think first couple possessions of the day, we almost had to get lathered up a little bit. But, you know, as we got into it, I thought it was pretty good. We had some interceptions today, made some plays on some balls.
"I do think that the defensive staff, there's a ton of experience in the system. I think for Deron, obviously, he's worked with Ron (Roberts') tree, being with Pete Golding at UTSA, obviously, his time at Arkansas, there's a ton of concept carry over. He was here for a year.
"And then Vinnie on the back end, you know, his experience in Alabama, certainly with the Patriots, there's a ton of carryover. For him it's a little bit more translation. And then coach (Robert) Bala has coached this system for a number of years. So, that's where I think we're probably a little farther ahead. I think those guys hit the ground running.
"Just in general, we're getting lined up and we're playing fast. I think the rush, the coverage, is working well together. First, second and third level. I think we're a little farther ahead just because of the veteran players, and then I think it's year four in the system, so playing much faster. We get these vets back on the D-line, secondary, we got a chance to be pretty good over there."
On pass rush's production
"I mean, I'm not saying - I just think it was competitive. I think we protected pretty well for the most part. But I mean, there were sacks, there were pressures, there were QB hits in the game, but you got a ton of third down and long work. You got two minute, ton of passing situations.
"So I think some of the young rushers are good, like Jayden is a factor. Kofi (Asare) continues to make progress. He's showing up. So those two young guys, I've been very pleased with the progress Caden Jones and Fletcher Westphal have made. Those guys are coming into their own a little bit.
"So, and then, obviously, Bryce (Lovett) is doing a great job. You know, in general, on the edges there, it's a battle. Kam (James), LJ (McCray), Tyreak (Sapp), (George) Gumbs, Jayden (Woods), Kofi (Asare). We got some guys that can rush. And you add a pressure into that, yeah. You know, some of those 'backers are pretty good, too."
What does Napier want to improve on?
"Yeah, just a slow start. I think most of our players would tell you the same thing. We lacked a little bit of energy in the very beginning, but it ramped up. It got competitive pretty quick. But, yeah, it's never going to be, you know, I'm never satisfied at this point. You know, there's a lot of stuff to clean up, but in general, I thought the effort, the attitude for probably two-thirds of the day was really good."
On Tommy Doman
"I thought Tommy had a good day. Started the day well. We're close on a couple of hanging punts today. Some of that is the union as a whole. But yeah, the first punt of the day was a bomb. He's had some good days as of late. I think he'll be very effective for us. You know, I think he's experienced, and I think that'll prove to be valuable for our team."
On any players entering year two who stood out
"I think Cormani (McClain is) doing better year two. I think that Aaron Chiles is doing better. Trying to think of the guys that were true freshmen last year. Westphal has taken a step forward. I mean, I consider Caden Jones a little bit of a rookie because he was injured in year one. I think he's getting better. Mizell had a good day. Yeah, mean, I think those off the top of my head, I would say those the guys that, year one year two guys, that have made a big jump."
On KD Daniels
"KD. Good, yeah, I think KD's - I think the big thing for KD is he's getting better as a protector, that he's catching the ball better. He's getting in a rhythm where he's playing faster. He's being more decisive. But, yeah, KD has had some great days out there, and I think as he gets more experience in the games, he'll gain more confidence, but he's not lacking there, I think he's very capable."
On what made Saturday's practice so good
"Yeah, I mean I just think it was extremely competitive. It was, I don't know, you'll ask some of these players. It was our first time as a team in the Swamp and we challenged them to kind of raise their level a little bit, kind of relish in what comes with that.
"I think we practiced in the morning and they showed up and we had juice from the very beginning, and it came down to the last play. The scoring system, we'll have to get a patent on this thing, it makes a difference for sure."
Who will stand out in Orange and Blue game?
"They'll have every opportunity. I'll be excited about having a game. I'm excited about our fans being here, and there's no doubt they'll have an opportunity to watch all these new players that we have, and then a lot of these young players that we're developing. It's going to be an awesome day."
On offensive line
"Four starters coming back. I think we're deeper than we've ever been. I think we've got a ton of competition with that second group. In general, the best offensive line group we've had since we've been here as a whole.
I think the culture in that room is as good as it's ever been. I think that the coaches are doing an understanding job. The tape has been clean, it's been a lot of fun to watch. I think if you want to have a good team you got to be good up front. The game starts up front. If you're not good up there you got no shot.
"In general, the pride there, the leadership in that room, the relationships, the energy there, I think the relationships with the coaches. You got (Jake) Slaughter, (Austin) Barber, Knijeah (Harris), Damieon (George) are very experienced players. So I think anytime you got four out of five coming back it's a good thing. It's no different then when we get the secondary back, I think that will be a strength for us as well."
Did Lagway throw?
"No."
On what fans can expect of Lagway in spring game
"He'll do the same things he's been doing in practice every day."
Is Napier a basketball guy?
"Yeah, I love basketball."
On what Napier thinks of Walter Clayton
"I appreciate his poise as a competitor. I think there's been a couple games, UConn, and then the game the other night, early when they're doing everything they can do to stop the guy, and then as the game goes he navigates that and keeps his poise and then he comes through in the clutch.
"I think he could have easily been frustrated a number of times, but it's just like he's waiting for the opportunity and he's gonna make the play when given that chance. He's kind of really come into his own in my opinion as a competitor and you can't help but respect it. It's one thing to be a productive player, score a bunch, it's another thing to make those shots when it counts.
"And I think that his confidence and that poise; those three guards in general, their toughness, their leadership, their poise. All three of those guys, if you evaluate each game, parts of the game each one has kind of carried the team. Veteran teams win championships. They're definitely Final Four. It's been a while."
On Clayton playing high school football with Gervon Dexter
"One thing is for sure, Dexter is proud of his boy from Polk County."
Does it create excitement seeing success in other UF teams?
"Absolutely. I think that carries over. It's one of the great things about the spring semester at the University of Florida, somebody is competing for an SEC Championship and a National Championship, and oftentimes it's multiple teams. It's great to see that the basketball program has made, and even our women's team has created some momentum for themselves here.
"I'm extremely proud of those guys. There's no doubt, there's an energy around it."
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Billy Napier talks Florida football's first spring scrimmage
Continue reading...
