Billy Napier met with the media on Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference ahead of Florida’s week two matchup with Samford.
Napier spoke for just over six minutes. Here’s everything he had to say.
Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues moving forward?
BN: “I think ultimately we’re looking for a way on defense for the coverage and the rush to work better together, I think those were our issues in the game Saturday. We need to communicate better at times on defense. I think offensively we struggled to block them consistency, in the run game and protection, and ultimately, we had a couple of penalties that were costly earlier in the game on defense. In general, I think we’ve experienced the consequence of making errors in terms of the margin for error when you play against a really good opponent. I do think that you have to give some credit to Miami, I thought the quarterback was outstanding, he had a terrific day. But in general, we are looking for more consistency, more plays where we have 11 players doing exactly what they’re suppose to do.”
Q: Injury update on Graham Mertz?
BN: “It’s to be determined. I think that we’re in that process as we speak and we’ll have an official word a little bit later today. Tonight we have official media, and we are working on our in-house process this week. The SEC availability report, which we will have to do for the first time next week. We are practicing that process and we’ll have more information after practice today.”
Q: What do you see out of DJ Lagway in first-team reps?
BN: “It’s been a lot of fun. DJ has a great attitude, obviously he’s excited. He got a chance to play Saturday for the first time in his career. Just to get feedback about that and now understand what it’s like out there as a competitor. So far so good. I thought he did a lot of good things yesterday and it’s great to see the only players rally around him. It’s definitely a positive for him to be able to take advantage of reps with the first team.”
Q: How do you guard against an overreaction to the first game?
BN: “I think ultimately it’s critical that you remain objective. You got to help your young people, they’re obviously disappointed too. I think it’s critical that you shape the narrative to some degree, and you help them understand that there’s a lot of football left to play. I would tell you; kids are more resilient than adults sometimes, in my opinion. I think they’re anxious to play, they’ve worked extremely hard, they know what’s in front of them. Ultimately, we’ve got to go prove it on the grass and we’ll get another opportunity to play this Saturday. They’re anxious to prove that the work that they’ve been doing is going to pay off.”
Q: How long have you known Samford’s coach Chris Hatcher?
BN: “Coach Hatcher, my dad was a coach, right. He was at Valdosta State a number of years. I think when I was at Clemson, he came and spoke at our clinic in the spring. I actually remember picking him up from the airport and getting him to the facility. We’ve been in the same circle a lot. I played at Furman University and they compete against Samford consistency. Obviously being from Georgia, Coach Hatcher, he’s always been in that circle of coaches. When we see each other, we definitely have known each other for a long time.”