Highlights from Billy Napier’s press conference going into Arkansas game
The Florida Gators are seeking redemption this week following the crippling loss against the SEC powerhouse Georgia Bulldogs.
Head coach Billy Napier addressed the media Wednesday afternoon following the team’s practice session. The program is gearing up for its first-ever blackout game against the Arkansas Razorbacks and Napier wants to take back the momentum for the rest of the year.
There were plenty of lessons to be learned from the Georgia loss and those lessons can be implemented against Arkansas, a team on the same level as the struggling Gators.
Florida is going into Saturday with multiple injuries on the depth chart and Napier provided updates on players like leading tackler Shemar James, who is now out for the season.
Opening statement
“We’ve been blessed this week to have some fantastic people speak to our team post-practice Sunday evening, Tuesday, Wednesday this week. Had a chance to hear from some outstanding leaders, people that have legitimate experience, that have lived a life of service, they’re currently in the process of living a life of service to our country, protecting our freedoms.”
“I’m going to tell you, man, it is impressive to hear the things that come with their way of life and I have a tremendous amount of respect for it. I do think for our young people it’s beneficial for them to hear some of the details that go into what our military does. I think this weekend is unique in a lot of regards. This week in particular is special for our players. Hopefully, our young people have gained an appreciation for what takes place.
“We had a good practice today, really good energy out there. Obviously, we got to continue to detail up the plan. But I’ve been impressed so far this week. And I thought today, in particular, we were a little sharper.
“It’s been a good week. We’re excited about this weekend, playing in front of a sold-out crowd and noon. Certainly wearing the uniforms is exciting, but ultimately it’s not about that; it’s about the cause and creating awareness around the cause.”
Shemar James is out for the season
“Yeah, no, he’s done. Yeah, he’s done. He had surgery today and he’s out. So, he’ll be back for spring practice. This will be about a four-month deal.
“Ultimately, it’s just, it’s much like a shoulder dislocation. It’s a kneecap dislocation. Happened to him in high school, it was an injury he had before. Much like a shoulder comes out, if it comes out again you’ve got to get it fixed.
“So, everything went well with the surgery. It won’t be a major factor long-term for him.”
Replacing the injured Shemar James
“I think it presents great opportunity for those other three guys, and they’ve all had good weeks. Certainly we’ll lean on Scooby and Teradja to go along that leadership, communication component. And then those three guys, you know, Wingo has some experience here, and certainly Mannie has played a lot of football for us, and Jaden has shown a lot of promise.
“So, this is another week in college football, right? I mean, very rarely do you run out there with all 22 starters. That’s a room that has depth. It’s been very competitive in that room to see who we play. And if you think back, Shemar missed a pretty significant amount of time, so these guys were able to gain a ton of reps.”
Reflecting on James' season before injury
“No, I think Shemar has been outstanding. He’s our leading tackler. More than that, Shemar, he’s a great example. His practice habits, his character.
“He’s developed a voice. You know, that’s something that I think, in particular as of late, he really was getting comfortable from a leadership standpoint of being vocal. So that’s the unfortunate part.
“But you know, I think sometimes, if you have the right perspective, injuries can — in the long-term, you may not realize it in the middle of it. But he’s been outstanding. We knew he was a good player upon arrival but he’s shown it this year.”
Previewing the Arkansas matchup
“That’s the interesting part because they have a number of brand new players and they have no recall of the previous system. Now, the quarterback, obviously, played in the system. We’ll get a combination of both. I think Sam’s a good coach, Ken’s a good coach and they’ll do a good job.
“And, ultimately, it’s tough, man. It’s tough on their staff, it’s tough on their team. Dan Enos is a heck of a football coach. He’s a very accomplished coach. We’ll have the players ready. We talked about that process a while back. That’ll be part of the story on Saturday for sure.”
Containing Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson
“(Jefferson’s) just a physical player and he’s tough to get on the ground. You may get to him but he’s like a lot of these bigger quarterbacks who have played throughout the years.
“This is a big man. Ultimately, it’s tough to get him on the ground as a runner and when you do try to finish on him, he’s a challenge in that regard and he is an athlete, there’s no question about it.
“He’s developed as a passer and he’s got a good group of skill around him and when you start talking about defending Arkansas, it starts with him and his mobility is a part of the equation.
Read more
Behind Enemy Lines: Razorbacks Wire reveals insight into Week 10 opponent
Dooley’s Dozen: 12 things you need to know about Arkansas Razorbacks
Expert Predictions: Staff takes for Florida’s Week 10 game vs Arkansas
Florida outside of CBS Sports top 25 after losing to Georgia
Loss to Georgia drops Florida one spot in Week 10 247Sports SEC Poll
Florida QB Graham Mertz named to Davey O’Brien QB Class of 2023
Florida gets On3 RPM pick for coveted 2026 in-state safety
Follow
Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
