Press Conference | Napier Seeks Consistent Approach, Gators Forced to Shuffle O-Line vs. Charlotte
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Gators are coming off their biggest Southeastern Conference win under second-year head coach Billy Napier and host Charlotte on Saturday night.
Florida's upset of then-No. 11 Tennessee moved the Gators into the AP Top 25 for the first time since early last season, a place Napier would like to see them unpack and stay awhile.
But he knows they can't just show up at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and expect to beat the 49ers. That is a message Napier has reiterated to his team and the media this week.
"The big thing for our players, and we've talked about, particularly last week and then certainly this week early, there is a humility that is required within the week in how you prepare," Napier opened his press conference following Wednesday night's practice. "Ultimately, when it's time to play, there needs to be a confidence. And I would tell you during the week, there's an element of fear."
Napier hasn't seen as much of that as he would like since UF's 29-16 victory over the Vols, and after practice Wednesday, Napier and some of the players spoke about maintaining a sense of urgency to keep improving.
Florida (2-1) has won two in a row since losing the season opener at Utah.
"We want to train and be uncomfortable during the week so we can be comfortable on game day,'' Napier said. "We have work to do and we have more to prove. There is a mindset that we are trying to develop here. An attitude, a culture. We're working on that. I think we have been a little bit inconsistent in that this week, in my opinion. We have a lot of work left to do to get ready to play Saturday."
To watch Napier's complete press conference, check out the video below:
Meanwhile, in the wake of Monday's suspensions handed down by the SEC for the Gators-Vols scuffle at the end of last week's game, Florida's depth chart looks different, especially on the offensive line.
With starters Micah Mazzccua and Damieon George Jr. suspended for the first half of Saturday's game against Charlotte, freshman Knijeah Harris is slated to start at right guard in place of Mazzccua, and transfer Lyndell Hudson II at right tackle for George. Jake Slaughter, who started the first two games in place of injured veteran Kingsley Eguakun, is back atop the depth chart with Eguakun once again slowed by injury following his return against Tennessee.
Florida's upset of then-No. 11 Tennessee moved the Gators into the AP Top 25 for the first time since early last season, a place Napier would like to see them unpack and stay awhile.
But he knows they can't just show up at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and expect to beat the 49ers. That is a message Napier has reiterated to his team and the media this week.
"The big thing for our players, and we've talked about, particularly last week and then certainly this week early, there is a humility that is required within the week in how you prepare," Napier opened his press conference following Wednesday night's practice. "Ultimately, when it's time to play, there needs to be a confidence. And I would tell you during the week, there's an element of fear."
Napier hasn't seen as much of that as he would like since UF's 29-16 victory over the Vols, and after practice Wednesday, Napier and some of the players spoke about maintaining a sense of urgency to keep improving.
Florida (2-1) has won two in a row since losing the season opener at Utah.
"We want to train and be uncomfortable during the week so we can be comfortable on game day,'' Napier said. "We have work to do and we have more to prove. There is a mindset that we are trying to develop here. An attitude, a culture. We're working on that. I think we have been a little bit inconsistent in that this week, in my opinion. We have a lot of work left to do to get ready to play Saturday."
To watch Napier's complete press conference, check out the video below:
Meanwhile, in the wake of Monday's suspensions handed down by the SEC for the Gators-Vols scuffle at the end of last week's game, Florida's depth chart looks different, especially on the offensive line.
With starters Micah Mazzccua and Damieon George Jr. suspended for the first half of Saturday's game against Charlotte, freshman Knijeah Harris is slated to start at right guard in place of Mazzccua, and transfer Lyndell Hudson II at right tackle for George. Jake Slaughter, who started the first two games in place of injured veteran Kingsley Eguakun, is back atop the depth chart with Eguakun once again slowed by injury following his return against Tennessee.
#Gators depth chart for Saturday's game vs. Charlotte … pic.twitter.com/TS3sUEWcvH
— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) September 20, 2023
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