Taking place last Wednesday, Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier spoke during SEC Media Days. Receiving his transcripts, this article will dive deep into his comments. It’s no secret that Napier enters this year firmly on the hot seat. Fans are expecting to make a bowl game at a minimum, and coming short of these expectations will result in firings. Napier is never one to shy away from the criticism, as he knows results have been subpar. However, he has dictated numerous times that it takes time to build a program backup. Because of the implications of this season, fans were eager to see what he had to say. Coach Napier, along with the three players he brought to SEC Media days, emphasized togetherness and discipline. In order to have the season fans desire, the players, as well as the staff, must be bought in.

Napier’s Points

The first question asked of the Gators head coach had to do with the schedule, and what a successful season looks like. Highlighting the severity of the schedule, the focus will be on a week-to-week basis. Napier alluded to the fact that when you play in the SEC, you must be prepared for a battle every weekend. No matter who you play, each team at this level has premier talent. Last season, the Gators suffered plenty of close losses, and he noted that they must be better at closing out games. However, he knows that there are plenty of lessons to be learned, and it will make them a better team. Napier provided quite an interesting quote, saying “You’ve got to get consumed with the process, not the outcome”. This shows he feels the Gators are continuing to buy in, which will eventually go a long way.

Why Should Fans Believe?

According to Napier, this is a team that is highly focused and won’t let the big moments sway them. Despite having a poor record last season, many of those losses came in close games. The Gators were simply a few plays far from being a football squad with eight wins. Napier expressed his excitement at Graham Mertz’s return while praising his quarterback. Mertz was a bright spot on this team, setting career highs in passing yards and completion percentage. He defied the expectations of many college football fans by being more than just a bridge quarterback. Tre Wilson, a receiver, and Arlis Boardingham, a tight end, are among the youthful talent the Gators are returning to a talented offense.With the addition of significant transfers, one could contend that this is Napier’s most skilled squad to date.

Do or Die?

There is certainly no sugarcoating it, Napier and the Gators must show results, or changes will be made. However, the Gator’s head coach has shown that it is not getting to him, and he remains focused on his plan for the program. Napier discussed that for his team, he likes to break it down into small periods. If the Gators can just be successful for a few days at a time, these successes can begin to stack on each other. He has put a much bigger emphasis on the process than simply worrying about results. Although that may sound frustrating to many fans, it’s all a part of his plan. He knew that it would take time to redevelop this program, and he felt as if they were on schedule. However, for Napier and the Gators, the process can only take them so far, as results will soon be demanded.

Final Wrap up

An interesting tidbit covered by Napier was his answer to the three C’s. The three Cs covered are campus, culture, as well as mentoring. Any program that wants to succeed needs to emphasize these qualities. Napier says it all boils down to maturity and ownership. With a large number of freshmen on the roster from the previous season, the Gators were among the younger SEC teams. These guys had to grow up fast since they had to become used to SEC play at an early age. This program will be able to return to contention thanks in large part to the experience they received from last season.With our newfound maturity and experience, this group ought to be psychologically ready for the journey ahead. There are certain expectations for this season, and none of the players are more critical of themselves than they are.

In an interview with the media, Napier explained that the top teams consistently hold themselves to high standards. The Gators are aware that their current output is insufficient for this kind of show.With a demanding schedule ahead of them, the players must take responsibility for their season. They compete against Miami, FSU, and UCF in an attempt to win the Florida state championship. Success for these guys requires them to play with pride, and Napier doesn’t seem to be very concerned about that. Upon examining every record, it was evident that there was a conclusion. It might be a difficult year in Gainesville if the Gators are not prepared to play each and every week.