GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Gators are in the middle of preparation for Saturday's road game at Kentucky, the first of seven consecutive Southeastern Conference games on the schedule.
UF head coach
Billy Napier has liked what he's seen from his team coming off a 22-7 win over Charlotte that left some fans wanting more.
"This game requires training. Our veteran players are doing a better job each week, and I think our younger players are learning to be very intentional,'' Napier said following Wednesday night's practice. "You gotta live with intention, and certainly, you have to prepare with intention. Pretty quality day out there.
"I would say [practice] is probably a little better than last week. Some weeks are easier, simpler than others. And then some are challenging. I think the players have responded the right way."
No. 22 Florida (3-1, 1-0) opened SEC play two weeks ago with a home win over Tennessee. Kentucky, unranked, is 4-0 after beating Vanderbilt to open conference play. The Wildcats feature transfer quarterback
Devin Leary, a former starter at NC State in his first season with the Wildcats. Leary is averaging 265 passing yards per game with nine touchdowns and five interceptions.
The Wildcats' knack for big plays has been an important part of their early-season success.
"Devin is a fantastic player. He's got arm talent. He's an above-average athlete. He can escape, he can extend," Napier said. "He's done a really nice job. I think explosives will be important in this game."
Meanwhile, the Gators are set for the return of freshman receiver
Eugene Wilson III, who missed last week's game with a shoulder injury. Wilson is one of several key players upgraded on the depth chart.
Veteran center
Kingsley Eguakun, who has played only one game, is atop the depth chart at center, and starting right guard
Micah Mazzccua, who missed last week's game due to suspension and in-house discipline for his involvement in the disturbance at the end of the Tennessee game, is back in the starting lineup. Finally, right tackle
Kamryn Waites, who suffered a torn Achilles in the offseason, is listed behind starter
Damieon George Jr. at right tackle.
"I think Kingsley's presence affects our offensive unit, I don't think there's any doubt,'' Napier said. "The experience, there's no value, there's no price tag you can put on that. It will be a big deal."
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To watch Napier's entire press conference, check out the video below:
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