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Florida football held its annual Pro Day on Thursday, with more than 15 players participating in the activities with NFL scouts on hand.
Coach Billy Napier took questions from the media during the event, touching on a few of the standout performances and offering his thoughts on where some of his players are at in the draft process. It's a bittersweet moment, as this is the final moment many of these athletes will be on the field in Gainesville, but many of bright futures ahead of them.
Before diving into the Pro Day, Napier had a message for Florida's basketball teams, which are both still alive in their respective tournaments.
"Good luck, men's basketball and women's basketball. Obviously, extremely proud of both of those teams and coaching staffs."
"Great day for this group. I know you got a lot of questions here, but we got great, rave reviews from all the NFL organizations about this group as a whole, in terms of how they prepared, how they performed so far, the interview process yesterday and today. So I'm really proud of this group."
"Nothing surprises me. Des, obviously, he's a unicorn. You go the rest of your career, you'll never be around a guy that's at that stature, and then you get to know Des. He's extremely intelligent, he's got a great sense of humor, he was a great teammate, and he showed up in good shape today. So, he'll get his shot, and I'm hoping he'll make the most of it."
"I think he's learned a lot. I think that this past year, we probably did it the best we've done it. I thought that (strength and conditioning) coach (Tyler) Miles, (Director of Football Nutrition and Assistant Strength & Conditioning) coach Sankal and (defensive line) coach (Gerald) Chatman, that working relationship.
"He's had numerous nutritionists, numerous position coaches, numerous strength coaches, and I think this past year, we probably executed the best we have. And I thought he played his best football of his career. So in general, I think he's learned a lot about habit building and self-discipline.
"Ultimately, the guy's frame score would indicate that he's going to be huge. That number is always going to be pretty big. I mean, he's 6-foot-6, and just the density, the bone structure. I mean, he's just a big man."
"First of all, Ja'Markis has been very selfless, right? Goes from receiver to the secondary to linebacker/edge. He's always been a very good special-teams player. That's his ticket, right? He's got to be a four-core teamer and then, okay, can he play DPR (defensive pass rush), can he be a SAM (line)backer, can he play stack backer?
"So, he's definitely going to get his foot in the door because of all the production on special teams. But in general, I can't say enough good things about the guy as a teammate. He's well respected around the building and certainly around the players."
"I was a little disappointed. In my opinion, I felt like he was a no-brainer combine player. And I told all the scouts in attendance today that in my opinion, Trikweze, the way he finished the year, the position, flexibility, the height, length, speed, matchup player throw-in. The NFL has become a match-up throw game. So I think that's going to take care of itself.
"He may not have made it to the combine, but I do think that these teams do their homework and the film speaks for itself. "
"Well, the M.O. was the tackling was the issue. That was the kind of the word on the street was, okay, hey, tackling is an area that he needed to address. I mean, I had a conversation with (Oregon head coach) Dan (Lanning) about it. Dan and I are good friends.
"The character was there. The height, league speed was there. They knew he had some position flex. We just went to work on the tackling mechanics, the fundamentals. We practiced it, we drilled it. We started in the offseason, and I thought he did a great job. I think about the fourth-down critical stop there at home, in a big moment. So, I thought in general, he developed and he made quite a bit of progress. "He showed he could play corner and safety, and also really good special teams."
"Graham is one of my favorite players to coach in my entire 20 years of coaching, and just to see him come back in the building. The room lights up when the guy walks in. Did a lot for this place, been through some battles and another high-value player, in my opinion.
"Somebody is going to get a guy who brings a ton of experience, production leadership, does a lot for an organization and certainly very capable of potentially, one day being a starter in the National Football League, in my opinion. "It's been a ton of fun to get the calls after the interviews."
"Great for Jason to be healthy. I thought he did a good job in Indy, to be where he was at in his return to play and rehab. I thought he did really well, and I thought today was a good step in the right direction to be able to do the position work.
"But Jason, again, a Gator through and through. A ton of respect for his family and the leadership that he showed here, the respect he had from the players, a lot of good there. And the way he was playing prior to the injury, I think he's an NFL starter."
"Again, two players that — we had Chim longer than Elijhah — but I think that the growth that both showed. One glaring stat, Chim Dike increased his max velocity seven times in the offseason. He gained 11 pounds of lean muscle. I thought his skill level went to a different level and thought he showed position flex. He played inside, played outside, the special teams value as a punt returner and a cover player.
"And in Badger, I thought the development that's on film. I wish we had him another year. I really think he could make a huge jump. So, a value pick that I think could really be even better a year from now. I thought (wide receivers) coach (Billy) G(onzalez) did a great job with both players, and then I think the system, the ability, the formation, the motion to put those guys in matchups, we made the most of their opportunities and they cashed it in. I think they're both going to be really good pro players."
"That was some of the feedback after the season. Joey maybe has more earning potential in the future as a center or guard at the next level. The intelligence, the football IQ. This will be a long-term commitment from a big picture standpoint, but definitely a guy who — what a competitor, what an incredible leader. Just a blue-collar tough guy. So I'm excited for Joey and if he was available now as a young player, we'd take him as a center or guard."
"Running back is a production position. It's vision, it's instincts. I think his ability to be productive as a rookie at Louisiana, the transition to the SEC and just continue that production. Three thousand yards rushing, I think. But he also is a leader, intelligent, character is a plus, great protection — he can process that part — and then obviously catches the ball well.
"I think he proved in Indy that some of that finishing speed that we saw in the SEC is real. Running a 4.42, but another guy that's really dominated the interview process. Really good reviews in that regard. So hey, and look Saquon (Barkley), I think maybe the running back position's back. All the running backs across the country were excited about that contract. So, Montrell is a good player. He'll play for a while."
"(Jonhson) passed the physical. This year was the first year he kind of had the bone bruise where he missed a little time. But, really, the durability has never been a question with him. I think in general, he's proven over time that he can he can carry that rock.
"So, yeah, I mean, I think that that's part of the deal at running back is can that guy be available each week? One of the other thing about Montrell is that he's going to have to play on special teams. I think he's done a good job studying that part of the game throughout his career. So, he'll be ready when he hits the ground running here pretty soon."
"He's been granted an extra year of eligibility, and I think his role on our team and his health is a little bit to be determined. But I think in general it's a good thing for him. His career has been extended for a year, and then we'll kind of see where we end up. But yeah, I think a guy who has had injury issues throughout his career, not only here but also at Washington, but a great kid, very smart, very dependable. Just kind of needs to work on the durability piece."
"Man, he looks good, doesn't he? I gave me a hard time the other day. I said, man, now that the money's at stake, you know? But, I'm just joking with him. Cam made a huge step. I thought he played and used his length this year. The film speaks for itself. Interior player that I think really increased his pass rush value. That's really where the separator is for the first, second down nose. What third-down value can you bring to a team? So, leaning up is a good thing.
"I thought he got the message. He did that. I thought he looked really good in Indy. He moved well, so I think he's helped himself. You know, 6-foot-6. How much do you weigh today? 322. That doesn't fall off the trees. So, somebody is going to get a really good player. Cam's grown up quite a bit in his journey here, in terms of maturity, being independent, managing his time, learning how to be a professional and have habits that'll carry over to the next level. So, we're really proud of him and the growth. His chances are good."
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: Florida football Billy Napier quotes from 2025 Pro Day
Continue reading...
Coach Billy Napier took questions from the media during the event, touching on a few of the standout performances and offering his thoughts on where some of his players are at in the draft process. It's a bittersweet moment, as this is the final moment many of these athletes will be on the field in Gainesville, but many of bright futures ahead of them.
Before diving into the Pro Day, Napier had a message for Florida's basketball teams, which are both still alive in their respective tournaments.
"Good luck, men's basketball and women's basketball. Obviously, extremely proud of both of those teams and coaching staffs."
Opening Statement
"Great day for this group. I know you got a lot of questions here, but we got great, rave reviews from all the NFL organizations about this group as a whole, in terms of how they prepared, how they performed so far, the interview process yesterday and today. So I'm really proud of this group."
On DL Desmond Watson putting up 36 reps on the bench press
"Nothing surprises me. Des, obviously, he's a unicorn. You go the rest of your career, you'll never be around a guy that's at that stature, and then you get to know Des. He's extremely intelligent, he's got a great sense of humor, he was a great teammate, and he showed up in good shape today. So, he'll get his shot, and I'm hoping he'll make the most of it."
On weight management for Watson
"I think he's learned a lot. I think that this past year, we probably did it the best we've done it. I thought that (strength and conditioning) coach (Tyler) Miles, (Director of Football Nutrition and Assistant Strength & Conditioning) coach Sankal and (defensive line) coach (Gerald) Chatman, that working relationship.
"He's had numerous nutritionists, numerous position coaches, numerous strength coaches, and I think this past year, we probably executed the best we have. And I thought he played his best football of his career. So in general, I think he's learned a lot about habit building and self-discipline.
"Ultimately, the guy's frame score would indicate that he's going to be huge. That number is always going to be pretty big. I mean, he's 6-foot-6, and just the density, the bone structure. I mean, he's just a big man."
On Ja'Markis Weston's potential as a specialist
"First of all, Ja'Markis has been very selfless, right? Goes from receiver to the secondary to linebacker/edge. He's always been a very good special-teams player. That's his ticket, right? He's got to be a four-core teamer and then, okay, can he play DPR (defensive pass rush), can he be a SAM (line)backer, can he play stack backer?
"So, he's definitely going to get his foot in the door because of all the production on special teams. But in general, I can't say enough good things about the guy as a teammate. He's well respected around the building and certainly around the players."
On DB Trikweze Bridges not getting a combine invite, running a 4.38-second 40-yard dash
"I was a little disappointed. In my opinion, I felt like he was a no-brainer combine player. And I told all the scouts in attendance today that in my opinion, Trikweze, the way he finished the year, the position, flexibility, the height, length, speed, matchup player throw-in. The NFL has become a match-up throw game. So I think that's going to take care of itself.
"He may not have made it to the combine, but I do think that these teams do their homework and the film speaks for itself. "
On specific area of growth at Florida for Bridges
"Well, the M.O. was the tackling was the issue. That was the kind of the word on the street was, okay, hey, tackling is an area that he needed to address. I mean, I had a conversation with (Oregon head coach) Dan (Lanning) about it. Dan and I are good friends.
"The character was there. The height, league speed was there. They knew he had some position flex. We just went to work on the tackling mechanics, the fundamentals. We practiced it, we drilled it. We started in the offseason, and I thought he did a great job. I think about the fourth-down critical stop there at home, in a big moment. So, I thought in general, he developed and he made quite a bit of progress. "He showed he could play corner and safety, and also really good special teams."
On QB Graham Mertz returning to action, Pro Day performance
"Graham is one of my favorite players to coach in my entire 20 years of coaching, and just to see him come back in the building. The room lights up when the guy walks in. Did a lot for this place, been through some battles and another high-value player, in my opinion.
"Somebody is going to get a guy who brings a ton of experience, production leadership, does a lot for an organization and certainly very capable of potentially, one day being a starter in the National Football League, in my opinion. "It's been a ton of fun to get the calls after the interviews."
On CB Jason Marshall Jr.
"Great for Jason to be healthy. I thought he did a good job in Indy, to be where he was at in his return to play and rehab. I thought he did really well, and I thought today was a good step in the right direction to be able to do the position work.
"But Jason, again, a Gator through and through. A ton of respect for his family and the leadership that he showed here, the respect he had from the players, a lot of good there. And the way he was playing prior to the injury, I think he's an NFL starter."
On WRs Chimere Dike and Elijhah Badger
"Again, two players that — we had Chim longer than Elijhah — but I think that the growth that both showed. One glaring stat, Chim Dike increased his max velocity seven times in the offseason. He gained 11 pounds of lean muscle. I thought his skill level went to a different level and thought he showed position flex. He played inside, played outside, the special teams value as a punt returner and a cover player.
"And in Badger, I thought the development that's on film. I wish we had him another year. I really think he could make a huge jump. So, a value pick that I think could really be even better a year from now. I thought (wide receivers) coach (Billy) G(onzalez) did a great job with both players, and then I think the system, the ability, the formation, the motion to put those guys in matchups, we made the most of their opportunities and they cashed it in. I think they're both going to be really good pro players."
On DL Joey Slackman's potential to play offensive line
"That was some of the feedback after the season. Joey maybe has more earning potential in the future as a center or guard at the next level. The intelligence, the football IQ. This will be a long-term commitment from a big picture standpoint, but definitely a guy who — what a competitor, what an incredible leader. Just a blue-collar tough guy. So I'm excited for Joey and if he was available now as a young player, we'd take him as a center or guard."
RB Montrell Johnson Jr.
"Running back is a production position. It's vision, it's instincts. I think his ability to be productive as a rookie at Louisiana, the transition to the SEC and just continue that production. Three thousand yards rushing, I think. But he also is a leader, intelligent, character is a plus, great protection — he can process that part — and then obviously catches the ball well.
"I think he proved in Indy that some of that finishing speed that we saw in the SEC is real. Running a 4.42, but another guy that's really dominated the interview process. Really good reviews in that regard. So hey, and look Saquon (Barkley), I think maybe the running back position's back. All the running backs across the country were excited about that contract. So, Montrell is a good player. He'll play for a while."
On NFL feedback on Johnson's durability
"(Jonhson) passed the physical. This year was the first year he kind of had the bone bruise where he missed a little time. But, really, the durability has never been a question with him. I think in general, he's proven over time that he can he can carry that rock.
"So, yeah, I mean, I think that that's part of the deal at running back is can that guy be available each week? One of the other thing about Montrell is that he's going to have to play on special teams. I think he's done a good job studying that part of the game throughout his career. So, he'll be ready when he hits the ground running here pretty soon."
On S Asa Turner's future
"He's been granted an extra year of eligibility, and I think his role on our team and his health is a little bit to be determined. But I think in general it's a good thing for him. His career has been extended for a year, and then we'll kind of see where we end up. But yeah, I think a guy who has had injury issues throughout his career, not only here but also at Washington, but a great kid, very smart, very dependable. Just kind of needs to work on the durability piece."
On DL Cam'Ron Jackson
"Man, he looks good, doesn't he? I gave me a hard time the other day. I said, man, now that the money's at stake, you know? But, I'm just joking with him. Cam made a huge step. I thought he played and used his length this year. The film speaks for itself. Interior player that I think really increased his pass rush value. That's really where the separator is for the first, second down nose. What third-down value can you bring to a team? So, leaning up is a good thing.
"I thought he got the message. He did that. I thought he looked really good in Indy. He moved well, so I think he's helped himself. You know, 6-foot-6. How much do you weigh today? 322. That doesn't fall off the trees. So, somebody is going to get a really good player. Cam's grown up quite a bit in his journey here, in terms of maturity, being independent, managing his time, learning how to be a professional and have habits that'll carry over to the next level. So, we're really proud of him and the growth. His chances are good."
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: Florida football Billy Napier quotes from 2025 Pro Day
Continue reading...
