Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson is set to make his first career start at 'The Swamp' on Saturday night against No. 7-ranked Utah. (Photo: Brieanna Andrews/UAA Communications)
Richardson Eager to Lead Gators and Stay Healthy
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — On a night many Gators fans had already turned off the TV or changed the channel, Billy Napier relaxed on a couch at his Louisiana home and watched the Gators play Oklahoma in the 2020 Cotton Bowl.
Florida's 55-20 loss to the Sooners capped a disastrous finish to the season for the Gators, one that started so promising with eight wins in their first nine games. However, the loss to Oklahoma was the Gators' third in a row, a stretch that, in hindsight, proved the beginning of the end for former coach Dan Mullen.
Twenty months later, Napier is set to debut as Florida's head coach on Saturday night when UF hosts No. 7-ranked Utah at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Napier's introduction isn't the only one of note for the Gators. Third-year sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson is ready to make his first career start at home.
The dynamic Richardson is the most significant source of optimism for those expecting Napier's first season at Florida to be a winner. Napier saw why in that Cotton Bowl loss when Richardson entered the game late, threw his first career touchdown pass – a 27-yarder to Jordan Pouncey – and rushed three times for 42 yards.
"He goes in the game, and I was like, 'wow, that guy's got a bright future,' " Napier said following Wednesday night's practice. "He made a few plays in that game that I thought were pretty special."
Richardson added to his highlight reel a season ago in reserve duty behind starter Emory Jones until injuries slowed his progress. With Jones off to Arizona State, Florida's offense is in Richardson's hands.
The 6-foot-4, 232-pound Richardson has all the physical tools to do the job. He spent the offseason working on developing his leadership skills and decision-making. Part of that process included learning to avoid danger when it's avoidable with backup Jack Miller III sidelined because of a thumb injury, leaving the inexperienced trio of Jalen Kitna, Kyle Engel and Max Brown as the replacements should Richardson get hurt.
"I've been trying to work on is staying healthy, just being available to the team, and just being ready when they need me,'' Richardson said. "It's always been a worry of mine like it's not a good feeling when you can't contribute to the team."
If Richardson can stay healthy and fulfills the potential so many see in him, the Gators will have a chance to win many games. It could be a long season if he is injured or plays poorly. That is the reality of Year 1 for Napier.
The Gators have voiced their confidence in Richardson throughout the offseason and preseason camp, convinced he can be a difference-maker for a team with talent but lacking depth and proven playmakers at some key positions.
"He's been the guy,'' defensive back Tre'Vez Johnson said. "What you saw last year was some flashes. He's definitely improved his game – throwing, running, seeing the whole defense. I believe he's ready.
"I think he's doing a great job with the offense. Not just on offense, but as like the captain of the team, he's speaking up and making sure guys are accountable and doing what we're supposed to be doing."
Richardson struggled in his only career start in last season's loss against Georgia. By then, the Gators' season had begun to unravel, and Richardson was thrown to the Bulldogs to see if he could resurrect hope. He went 12 of 20 for just 82 yards and threw a pair of interceptions.
Richardson is eager for another shot on Saturday in front of a large group of family and friends who will make the trip across town to watch the Gainesville Eastside product start at home.
"I'm very excited, first of all,'' Richardson said. "You know, first game back in 'The Swamp,' second career start, so that's pretty much a big deal for me and my family. Growing up here and being a starting quarterback means a lot to everyone. It puts a lot on me, but I'm totally fine with that because I get to show people what I can do, and I can show people how it's supposed to be done, you know, so I'm glad I have the opportunity."
Richardson electrified the home crowd in last season's opener when he came off the bench and rushed for 160 yards on seven carries, including a 73-yard touchdown in the second half of a win over Florida Atlantic. He followed that performance with a 75-yard touchdown pass and an 80-yard touchdown run in a road win at USF.
However, Richardson strained a hamstring on his scoring run, the first of multiple injuries he suffered during the season. He underwent offseason knee surgery and returned full-speed in spring camp.
Napier wants to keep him there and build a comfort zone from which to operate.
"I think it's important that you have a pulse with what the quarterback is comfortable with,'' Napier said. "Sometimes that's more important than what you think. So, you get the quarterback input. That dialogue and that feedback will go all the way up to kickoff.
"I have nothing but great things to say about Anthony. You don't know until you get on the inside. I mean, obviously, we watched him play from afar. But I can't say it enough: the guy's selfless, he's humble, and he cares about people. He's a diligent worker. He's a great example to his teammates. I think he's learning how to be a big-time quarterback."
That is Richardson's goal. One snap at a time.
He has waited his turn and is now holding the keys and ready to turn on the ignition.
"I just want to hear the crowd roar whenever we score,'' he said.
Florida's 55-20 loss to the Sooners capped a disastrous finish to the season for the Gators, one that started so promising with eight wins in their first nine games. However, the loss to Oklahoma was the Gators' third in a row, a stretch that, in hindsight, proved the beginning of the end for former coach Dan Mullen.
Twenty months later, Napier is set to debut as Florida's head coach on Saturday night when UF hosts No. 7-ranked Utah at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Napier's introduction isn't the only one of note for the Gators. Third-year sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson is ready to make his first career start at home.
The dynamic Richardson is the most significant source of optimism for those expecting Napier's first season at Florida to be a winner. Napier saw why in that Cotton Bowl loss when Richardson entered the game late, threw his first career touchdown pass – a 27-yarder to Jordan Pouncey – and rushed three times for 42 yards.
"He goes in the game, and I was like, 'wow, that guy's got a bright future,' " Napier said following Wednesday night's practice. "He made a few plays in that game that I thought were pretty special."
Richardson added to his highlight reel a season ago in reserve duty behind starter Emory Jones until injuries slowed his progress. With Jones off to Arizona State, Florida's offense is in Richardson's hands.
The 6-foot-4, 232-pound Richardson has all the physical tools to do the job. He spent the offseason working on developing his leadership skills and decision-making. Part of that process included learning to avoid danger when it's avoidable with backup Jack Miller III sidelined because of a thumb injury, leaving the inexperienced trio of Jalen Kitna, Kyle Engel and Max Brown as the replacements should Richardson get hurt.
"I've been trying to work on is staying healthy, just being available to the team, and just being ready when they need me,'' Richardson said. "It's always been a worry of mine like it's not a good feeling when you can't contribute to the team."
If Richardson can stay healthy and fulfills the potential so many see in him, the Gators will have a chance to win many games. It could be a long season if he is injured or plays poorly. That is the reality of Year 1 for Napier.
The Gators have voiced their confidence in Richardson throughout the offseason and preseason camp, convinced he can be a difference-maker for a team with talent but lacking depth and proven playmakers at some key positions.
"He's been the guy,'' defensive back Tre'Vez Johnson said. "What you saw last year was some flashes. He's definitely improved his game – throwing, running, seeing the whole defense. I believe he's ready.
"I think he's doing a great job with the offense. Not just on offense, but as like the captain of the team, he's speaking up and making sure guys are accountable and doing what we're supposed to be doing."
Richardson struggled in his only career start in last season's loss against Georgia. By then, the Gators' season had begun to unravel, and Richardson was thrown to the Bulldogs to see if he could resurrect hope. He went 12 of 20 for just 82 yards and threw a pair of interceptions.
Richardson is eager for another shot on Saturday in front of a large group of family and friends who will make the trip across town to watch the Gainesville Eastside product start at home.
"I'm very excited, first of all,'' Richardson said. "You know, first game back in 'The Swamp,' second career start, so that's pretty much a big deal for me and my family. Growing up here and being a starting quarterback means a lot to everyone. It puts a lot on me, but I'm totally fine with that because I get to show people what I can do, and I can show people how it's supposed to be done, you know, so I'm glad I have the opportunity."
Richardson electrified the home crowd in last season's opener when he came off the bench and rushed for 160 yards on seven carries, including a 73-yard touchdown in the second half of a win over Florida Atlantic. He followed that performance with a 75-yard touchdown pass and an 80-yard touchdown run in a road win at USF.
However, Richardson strained a hamstring on his scoring run, the first of multiple injuries he suffered during the season. He underwent offseason knee surgery and returned full-speed in spring camp.
Napier wants to keep him there and build a comfort zone from which to operate.
"I think it's important that you have a pulse with what the quarterback is comfortable with,'' Napier said. "Sometimes that's more important than what you think. So, you get the quarterback input. That dialogue and that feedback will go all the way up to kickoff.
"I have nothing but great things to say about Anthony. You don't know until you get on the inside. I mean, obviously, we watched him play from afar. But I can't say it enough: the guy's selfless, he's humble, and he cares about people. He's a diligent worker. He's a great example to his teammates. I think he's learning how to be a big-time quarterback."
That is Richardson's goal. One snap at a time.
He has waited his turn and is now holding the keys and ready to turn on the ignition.
"I just want to hear the crowd roar whenever we score,'' he said.
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