Gators head coach Billy Napier got a taste of The Swamp at the Orange & Blue Game, but on Saturday night, he will experience a true game day when UF hosts No. 7-ranked Utah in the season opener. (Photo: Alexis Greaves/UAA Communications)
New Coach, New QB, New Gators Ready to Kick Off Season
Thursday, September 1, 2022 | Football
GAINESVILLE, Fla. —The end zones are painted and the field is lined for a new era in The Swamp.
While some fans are preparing their game-day outfits to represent the Orange & Blue, the Gators are prepping to face Utah on Saturday night.
After months of waiting, the first game of the Billy Napier era in Gainesville is about to be unpacked.
New coaches. New philosophy. New QB1. New facility. Same Gators pride.
A UF game day at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium brings the town to life after a long, sleepy summer. The RVs roll down University Avenue, the tailgates crank up bright and early, and players go through Gator Walk to enter the stadium. Not to mention, a sold-out crowd will be rocking come kickoff time against the No. 7-ranked Utes.
The Gators are itching to get back on the field in front of the fans. Sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson, who will make his first career home start on Saturday, highlighted the anticipation of scoring in The Swamp.
"I just want to hear the crowd roar whenever we score," Richardson said. "Seeing all the blue shirts, hearing everybody scream, and seeing my teammates' faces."
And while the hype continues to build, the 43-year-old Napier emphasized the opportunity of showcasing the preparation that has taken place since December. He replaced Dan Mullen and took over a team that went 6-7 a season ago.
"This is our first opportunity as a team, and certainly this new organization relative to the coaches, a new way of doing things," Napier said this week.
Since the former Louisiana head coach took over the program in December, Napier has established a new precedent for the journey.
In the first couple of months on the job, Napier built an army of staff and personnel to reflect the program's goals while also signing a top-20 recruiting class.
Napier has gained the respect and attention of his players during the transition period from spring to summer workouts to preseason camp, and now on the eve of his first game as Florida's head coach. Napier spent four seasons at Louisiana and led the Ragin' Cajuns to the Sun Belt Conference championship a season ago, earning his climb up the coaching ladder.
The countless hours on the field, reviewing the playbook, and studying film has the Gators confident heading into the matchup against Utah, coming off a 10-4 season and winning the Pac-12 Championship Game.
"We've been doing this since spring," Sophomore safety Tre'Vez Johnson said. "Even before spring we've been going over the playbook. So I feel like now it's just like I said, it's time to go out there and perform."
Yes, it's go-time for the Gators. The time is here to see how Napier's impact influences them on the field. And while the football program has gone through extensive changes in the offseason, so has Richardson.
A product of Gainesville Eastside High, Richardson has evolved in his leadership within the program. Richardson previously considered himself someone who led by example.
In the 2021 season, it was evident that when No. 15 was in the game, the offense's rhythm flowed toward big plays. The calm and collected Richardson led with his arm, intellect, and raw physical gifts that have fans dreaming of a big season.
Backed by Napier's support, Richardson leads as much with his voice as the team's most well-known player.
"I think I have a big voice and people listen to what I say," said Richardson.
People see what Richardson can do on the field. They may not see tweaks in a quarterback's overall leadership qualities.
"He's getting comfortable with his role," Napier said.
Richardson's role as QB1 under a new coaching staff in a new era in front of Gators fans on Saturday will be another step in the journey.
While some fans are preparing their game-day outfits to represent the Orange & Blue, the Gators are prepping to face Utah on Saturday night.
After months of waiting, the first game of the Billy Napier era in Gainesville is about to be unpacked.
New coaches. New philosophy. New QB1. New facility. Same Gators pride.
A UF game day at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium brings the town to life after a long, sleepy summer. The RVs roll down University Avenue, the tailgates crank up bright and early, and players go through Gator Walk to enter the stadium. Not to mention, a sold-out crowd will be rocking come kickoff time against the No. 7-ranked Utes.
The Gators are itching to get back on the field in front of the fans. Sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson, who will make his first career home start on Saturday, highlighted the anticipation of scoring in The Swamp.
"I just want to hear the crowd roar whenever we score," Richardson said. "Seeing all the blue shirts, hearing everybody scream, and seeing my teammates' faces."
We can't wait to see you, #GatorNation! #GoGators | #jOURney pic.twitter.com/Wj2FVIi0lB
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) August 31, 2022
And while the hype continues to build, the 43-year-old Napier emphasized the opportunity of showcasing the preparation that has taken place since December. He replaced Dan Mullen and took over a team that went 6-7 a season ago.
"This is our first opportunity as a team, and certainly this new organization relative to the coaches, a new way of doing things," Napier said this week.
Since the former Louisiana head coach took over the program in December, Napier has established a new precedent for the journey.
In the first couple of months on the job, Napier built an army of staff and personnel to reflect the program's goals while also signing a top-20 recruiting class.
Napier has gained the respect and attention of his players during the transition period from spring to summer workouts to preseason camp, and now on the eve of his first game as Florida's head coach. Napier spent four seasons at Louisiana and led the Ragin' Cajuns to the Sun Belt Conference championship a season ago, earning his climb up the coaching ladder.
The countless hours on the field, reviewing the playbook, and studying film has the Gators confident heading into the matchup against Utah, coming off a 10-4 season and winning the Pac-12 Championship Game.
"We've been doing this since spring," Sophomore safety Tre'Vez Johnson said. "Even before spring we've been going over the playbook. So I feel like now it's just like I said, it's time to go out there and perform."
Yes, it's go-time for the Gators. The time is here to see how Napier's impact influences them on the field. And while the football program has gone through extensive changes in the offseason, so has Richardson.
A product of Gainesville Eastside High, Richardson has evolved in his leadership within the program. Richardson previously considered himself someone who led by example.
In the 2021 season, it was evident that when No. 15 was in the game, the offense's rhythm flowed toward big plays. The calm and collected Richardson led with his arm, intellect, and raw physical gifts that have fans dreaming of a big season.
Backed by Napier's support, Richardson leads as much with his voice as the team's most well-known player.
"I think I have a big voice and people listen to what I say," said Richardson.
People see what Richardson can do on the field. They may not see tweaks in a quarterback's overall leadership qualities.
"He's getting comfortable with his role," Napier said.
Richardson's role as QB1 under a new coaching staff in a new era in front of Gators fans on Saturday will be another step in the journey.
Players Mentioned
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/ Football
QB
/ FootballAaron Chiles Media Availability 10-15-25
Wednesday, October 15
Damieon George Jr. Media Availability 10-15-25
Wednesday, October 15
Billy Napier Media Availability 10-15-25
Wednesday, October 15
Gator Insider presented by Talon Wealth 10-15-25
Wednesday, October 15
