GAINESVILLE, Fla. — If you have paid attention to Gators head coach
Billy Napier in his two seasons at Florida, you know he approaches each day at work as a classroom.
He has said countless times that the Gators are trying to develop men as well as players. Napier often invites outsiders with impactful stories to speak to the Gators at practice. I wrote about
a visit from 20-year Air Force veteran Tom Rich prior to last season's 'Saluting Those Who Serve' game.
The Gators had retired Army Staff Sgt.
James Slayton speak to the team after Tuesday's practice.
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Florida hosts Arkansas on Saturday afternoon in this season's 'Saluting Those Who Serve' game and Napier's message to his players: listen and learn.
"IÂ think when I listen there's a lot we can learn from the selflessness that's associated with choosing that path in life,'' Napier said following Wednesday night's practice. "You can see that there's challenge, there's sacrifice. You also can hear in their voice the importance of brotherhood, of the unity, the people that they went through training with, and ultimately, the people that they went into battle with."
The Gators (5-3, 3-2) will attempt to put up a unified front on Saturday when the Razorbacks (2-6, 0-5)Â visit Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for a noon Southeastern Conference battle.
Napier announced the loss of linebacker
Shemar James (
more later on FloridaGators.com) to a knee injury, but he said he has liked what he's seen from the team in practice as the Gators attempt to bounce back from a loss with a win for the third time this season.
"The energy [at practice] kind of improved as we knocked the rust off," Napier said. "Tuesdays are typically that way because we don't practice on Monday. And then today we hit the ground running. I mean, I thought we started faster today than we have in a long time. I thought the good-on-good periods in particular were very competitive."
To watch Napier's entire press conference, check out the video below:
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