For the past three weeks, almost all of the discussion surrounding Gators football has been about the future.
Billy Napier was hired as the new head coach on Nov. 28. Since then, he’s hired coaches and support staffers at a rapid pace, including a couple of big names. He signed a trio of highly rated recruits on early National Signing Day, led by five-star defensive back Kamari Wilson. Speculation has begun about who they’ll add to the class in February and who they’ll pick up out of the transfer portal.
It’s been very easy for fans and media alike to turn their attention toward the 2022 season and beyond.
However, the 2021 Gators still have a game to play. They’ll face UCF in the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa on Thursday night.
While there might not be much outside buzz about this matchup, UF (6-6, 2-6 SEC) interim head coach Greg Knox said that the team has been focused in practice and is excited to play against some familiar faces.
“It’s an instate game against an in-state team and guys that are playing against guys that they played against in high school, played with in high school,” Knox said. “So, it’s a big game, and our kids are approaching it that way, and they’re excited about playing this game. They’re really excited about being here.”
Running back Malik Davis – who will get to practice at his alma mater, Jesuit High School, this week – said that they look forward to every opportunity to compete but did acknowledge that beating UCF (8-4, 5-3 American Athletic) would feel a little bit more special. There are a combined 135 Floridians on the two rosters. Bragging rights are very much on the line.
“That’s what makes it more exciting,” he said. “Everybody wants to talk about who’s the best team here, and UCF is a team who’s been playing well over the past few years. So, it’ll be a good game.”
While the players have tried their hardest to remain focused on this game, Knox said that there have been some challenges. The new coaching staff has attended their practices and met with some of the players.
It’s almost impossible to not start looking into the future given the circumstances. Still, Knox thinks that they’ve managed their time well.
“Our guys have done well with that,” he said. “That has been a big deal because the new staff has had some things they wanted them to do, and they’ve been working with us as far as practicing and everything. I think they handled it very well. The last couple days have been kind of tough on them because some things they had to do for the new staff and things we’re asking them to do to get ready for this bowl game.
“But, other than that, I think the kids have handled it well, and I think just now getting to the bowl site, I think now they can relax and get ready to play a game.”
Richardson out
Knox confirmed reports that quarterback Anthony Richardson recently underwent surgery to repair his meniscus and will miss the bowl game.
Emory Jones will make his 12th and final start as a Gator, as he plans to transfer following the game.
Knox wasn’t asked about whether freshmen Carlos Del Rio-Wilson or Jalen Kitna will play, but he made it clear that they’re going to put this game in Jones’ hands.
“Emory Jones is our quarterback, and that’s it,” he said. “Said and done.”
End-of-season attrition coming to a close?
As can be expected during a coaching transition, the last few weeks have been a bit rough for the Gators from a roster standpoint.
Seven Gators have entered the transfer portal since the end of the regular season, including three starters. Two of them – offensive lineman Gerald Mincey and linebacker Khris Bogle – have already signed with other schools, while the other five still have a chance to come back to Florida.
Jones, receiver Jacob Copeland and possibly one or two more of them still plan to play on Thursday despite being in the portal.
Additionally, defensive lineman Zachary Carter has declared for the NFL Draft and opted out of the bowl game.
Knox sounded optimistic that there won’t be any more last-minute opt-outs or transfers prior to the game.
“I haven’t had anything recent to come up as far as the portal stuff,” Knox said. “Again, that stuff is not a big concern of my mine. I’m concerned about the guys that have practiced and been out on the field and getting themselves ready to play.”
Elam playing
There are several reasons why cornerback Kaiir Elam might decide to skip this bowl game. The Gators are 6-6 and playing for a trophy that, frankly, nobody in Gator Nation will take pride in if they win it. He’s projected as a first-round draft pick by many analysts, so why risk getting injured and ruining his draft stock if he doesn’t have to?
Then, of course, there’s the coaching transition. This just feels like the perfect time for Elam to begin the next chapter of his career.
Instead, though, Elam is all-in on playing in this game.
“I just want to win,” Elam said. “I feel like we had ups and downs, and I just want to finish out the season on a win. I just feel like this will be a good game for me to get back. I feel like I had two weeks off to get healthy and show what I can do. And, then, No. 2, I feel like I owed it to my team.”
Elam was then asked a follow-up question about whether he plans to enter the draft following the game. He was noncommittal.
“My plans are to beat UCF and make a lot of plays,” he said.
He added that he has met with Napier and was impressed by his message.
“I think I listened to what he had to say and offer,” Elam said. “I feel like his plans are very detailed and precise. How he takes his time with everything, I feel like that’s pretty cool how he does that.”