Billy Napier excited to be a part of second Florida-Georgia game
Billy Napier has crossed a couple of major items of his to-do list during Year 2 as the head coach of the Florida Gators.
Beating Tennessee delivered the program its first win over a rival with Napier at the helm, and the South Carolina game proved that the Gators can win on the road.
The biggest item on any Florida head coach’s list is beating Georgia, though.
There’s a different energy among Gators Nation in the week leading up to the big game, and the team takes things just as seriously. However, head coach Billy Napier is saving the trash talk for the locker room as he praised Kirby Smart and his program to open Florida-Georgia week.
“This is one of those games, as a competitor, you look forward to being a part of,” Napier said to open his Monday press conference. “Obviously, a ton of history and tradition here. I think we’ve worked hard to educate our players about the importance of the game, the history behind the game. Certainly, we have a ton of respect for Georgia relative to the caliber of football they’ve been playing.”
While Napier’s respectful tone might not sit well with some hardcore Florida fans, it’s in line with the classy behavior we’ve seen from him. Napier knows what he’s up against. Kirby Smart is on the verge of establishing the next true dynasty in college football, and the Gators have a chance to prove the Bulldogs are indeed mortal.
Still, it’s hard not to compliment a program that’s done just bout everything right over the past several years. Back-to-back championships don’t just happen.
“I think they (Georgia) do a fantastic job,” he said. “I think the personnel is really good. Height, length, really good players at every level of the defense… I think this is year eight for Kirby if I’m not mistaken. The veteran players have a good comprehension of the system.”
This is only Year 2 for Napier in Gainesville. Most of the Mullen-era players who didn’t buy in are gone, and the young guys who were recruited by Napier are starting to get more playing time. The transfer portal has also helped Napier quickly turn over the roster.
Florida’s time is coming (hopefully), but it’s probably best to avoid too much trash talk until a Napier-led team actually beats Georgia.
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