Spring Camp Review: High Energy, Structure a Focus for the Gators
Thursday, March 17, 2022 | Football
The Gators held their second practice Thursday, and it was the first time this spring weather permitted the team to practice outside.
The hot spring weather was no match for the Gators' energy. Fifth-year senior linebacker Amari Burney said the tempo has been high at practice.
"If you don't run to the ball, get off the field." Burney said. "It's spring practice β¦ Push through and get better every day."
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"We're going to be aggressive every play we're out there," Burney said.
Defensive coordinator Patrick Toney added that fundamentals are the key to success.
"The first thing that we've got to do is play fundamentally sound defense," Toney said. "The number one priority is how we're playing the game."
Both Burney and fifth-year senior safety Trey Dean III spoke highly of Toney and his new system.
"Breathtaking," Dean said of Toney's defense. "We just know that our coaches got our backs and we've got their backs."
"In the fall, it's going to be a show," he said.
Burney has enjoyed Toney's willingness to adjust.
"Coach Patrick is always going to adjust to the offense," Burney said.
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Dean and Burney agree: strategy and structure.
"Everything is planned out," Burney said. "All the coaches are buying in and all the players are buying in."
Dean added: "We're going to be a structured team. We're going to be a disciplined team."
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The move will give Napier and the GatorsΒ the full spotlight and can be an advantage in recruiting.
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"We don't have to compete against a lot of spring games," Napier said Thursday after practice. "We get to corner the market in recruiting."
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DAY 2οΈβ£ #GoGators | #UFuture pic.twitter.com/pwf6LLjapS
β Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) March 17, 2022
Bringing the Energy Everyday
The hot spring weather was no match for the Gators' energy. Fifth-year senior linebacker Amari Burney said the tempo has been high at practice."If you don't run to the ball, get off the field." Burney said. "It's spring practice β¦ Push through and get better every day."
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A New Era of Defense
The energy has quickly been ushered in with a new coaching staff and a brand-new defensive mindset. A mindset that focuses on aggressiveness."We're going to be aggressive every play we're out there," Burney said.
Defensive coordinator Patrick Toney added that fundamentals are the key to success.
"The first thing that we've got to do is play fundamentally sound defense," Toney said. "The number one priority is how we're playing the game."
Both Burney and fifth-year senior safety Trey Dean III spoke highly of Toney and his new system.
"Breathtaking," Dean said of Toney's defense. "We just know that our coaches got our backs and we've got their backs."
"In the fall, it's going to be a show," he said.
Burney has enjoyed Toney's willingness to adjust.
"Coach Patrick is always going to adjust to the offense," Burney said.
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The Structure of Success
What's the biggest difference with Napier's staff?Dean and Burney agree: strategy and structure.
"Everything is planned out," Burney said. "All the coaches are buying in and all the players are buying in."
Dean added: "We're going to be a structured team. We're going to be a disciplined team."
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Thursday Night Lights
The Gators announced Thursday that the Orange and Blue game will kickoff April 14 at 7:30 p.m.Thursday Night Lights in The Swamp!
β Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) March 17, 2022
We're excited to see #GatorNation on Thursday, April 14th at 7:30 p.m. for the Orange & Blue Game! #GoGators | #UFuture pic.twitter.com/RmELWbBhNZ
The move will give Napier and the GatorsΒ the full spotlight and can be an advantage in recruiting.
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Five other SEC schools, including Bama, UGa, have games April 16. Smart move.
β Edgar Thompson (@osgators) March 17, 2022
'We're going to have some of the best recruits in the entire country here to show them what the University of Florida and Gator Nation are all about.' https://t.co/1exafKGhUd
"We don't have to compete against a lot of spring games," Napier said Thursday after practice. "We get to corner the market in recruiting."
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Players Mentioned
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