Billy Napier is 4-3 through his first seven games as a Florida Gator. There are so many factors that go into year one with a program; it’s difficult to come up with a grade or judge Napier’s performance thus far. After all, Nick Saban went 6-6 with the Crimson Tide in his first season; Kriby Smart went 8-5 in his first after inheriting a ten-win team. Jim McElwain and Dan Mullen won 10 games in their first seasons as head coach for the Florida Gators. This isn’t me suggesting Napier is the next Smart or Saban, but that it’s difficult to judge a coach on a transitional season.
One thing we can properly evaluate is what we’ve seen on the field. Gator Country gives you a breakdown of each offensive position group through seven games this season and what the future holds for that unit.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Before the season started, I selected this veteran unit to be the strength of the Florida Gators; they have been exactly that through seven games. This group has allowed just five sacks this season, ranking T-7th in FBS. The lack of plays, hefty dose of runs, and Richardson’s mobility certainly helps the Gators in this statistic, but that’s still a really impressive figure at this point in the season.
This unit has also paved the way for 213.1 yards per game on the ground, which ranks 4th in the SEC and 18th in FBS. Florida’s 6.4 yards per carry this season ranks 3rd in the FBS.
The group is led by Louisiana transfer O’Cyrus Torrence. Torrence is the top-rated guard in college football, according to PFF. His 89.6 overall grade is more than four points higher than the next-best guard. His run blocking grade of 91.2 is the highest in college football. Torrence is being mocked in the first round of NFL drafts as a guard, which is impressive considering tackles are normally the first off the board. Torrence was recently added to the Lombardi award midseason watch list, presented to the best offensive or defensive lineman in college football. Torrence was recruited and developed by Billy Napier at Louisiana.
The offensive line has improved as the season has progressed. We’ve seen Austin Barber and Richie Leonard step up to the plate and succeed, despite minimal experience.
Penalties haven’t been an issue with this offensive line in 2022. Opposing teams have accepted just one holding call this season (two holdings called late game against LSU, both declined). This is another impressive figure for this group.
The Gators’ offensive line has created huge rushing lanes for their running backs this season. After the first six weeks, Montrell Johnson averaged 4.46 yards before contact, which ranks 1st in the SEC according to SecStatCat. The next closest is Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs, averaging 3.40 YBC, more than a full yard less than Johnson. Trevor Etienne ranks 4th in this statistic.
The Gators’ offensive line has established themselves as one of the best in the country.
The future of this unit is up in the air. I think it’s safe to assume that the Gators will lose Richard Gouraige and O’Cyrus Torrence after this season. You’ll likely have Richie Leonard and Austin Barber back for the Gators, which is two solid pieces to build around. Ethan White, Kingsley Eguakun, and Michael Tarquin are all in their 4th year, but have eligibility left. It’s possible that those three decide to return for another year, which would be great news for this unit.
After that you are looking at Kamryn Waites, Jake Slaughter, and Jalen Farmer to contribute. I think it’s possible that IMG’s Knijeah Harris contributes as a true freshman, he’s at ideal size and has a ton of football under his belt.
We’ll have a better gauge on next year’s offensive line when we hear from White, Eguakun, and Tarquin this offseason.
RUNNING BACKS
Most people had high expectations for this unit, but I think it’s fair to say they’ve blown those through the roof. The Gators are getting a majority of their production from Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne. Johnson’s 7.2 yards per carry ranks T-1st in the SEC. Etienne’s 6.3 YPC ranks T-3rd.
Johnson and Etienne have found the endzone a combined ten times through seven games this season. They rank near the top of the SEC in broken tackle rate and yards after contact. Etienne ranks first amongst RBs in percentage of runs going 10+ yards. Johnson ranks first in big run rate (20+ yard run).
The Gators have a pair of running backs that have shown great vision, burst, and elusiveness, through the first half of the season.
Last week we saw Lorenzo Lingard make his first significant impact of the 2022 season. He carried the ball three times for 16 yards and caught a pass for seven yards. Lingard looked like he belonged on the field; it’s going to be interesting to see how Napier plans on utilizing him going forward. Lingard possesses more upside than Nay’Quan Wright, who did not receive a carry in week 7 against LSU. I’d be surprised if Lingard didn’t remain at RB3.
Both Johnson and Etienne have multiple years of eligibility left; it’s hard not to get excited about the future of the room with these two leading the charge.
Treyaun Webb joins the unit next season. He’s putting together an impressive senior season at Trinity Chirstian Academy. Napier has shown he’s not afraid to play you as a true freshman if you are capable of making an impact.
QUARTERBACKS
Anthony Richardson hasn’t put together the season we would have hoped for, but he’s improved down the stretch.
We saw awful performances from Richardson against Kentucky and USF; we haven’t seen those lows since.
Richardson has thrown for 1,367 yards, which ranks T-76th in the country. He’s thrown six touchdown passes and seven interceptions this season. His 67.0 QBR ranks 51st in FBS.
Richardson’s accuracy has been an issue this season as he’s completing just 56.8% of his passes. Part of the reason for this is a lack of separation and overall talent from his receiving group. Richardson has also missed his fair share of open receivers this season. Richardson ranks first amongst SEC starters in turnover worthy play percentage.
Richardson is at his best when he’s rolling out or coming off a play action. The threat of the run game has worked in Richardson’s favor this season.
The one thing that’s stood out to be with Anthony Richardson this season is that he appears to be processing slower than I expected. He takes what feels like an eternity to progress through his reads and is hesitant to take off and run at times. His awareness seems to be lacking.
There were several times against LSU that Richardson had Xzaiver Henderson wide open in the flat and just took too long to get him the ball, allowing the Tiger defenders to crash and make a play after a short gain.
There’s no question that Richardson has all the physical tools to be a successful QB, he just doesn’t have it all put together. He’s struggling to find his receivers when they get open, oftentimes looking right over them. This is why I don’t see Richardson leaving for the NFL this season; I don’t see an NFL team taking a flier on him in the early rounds.
We’ve seen Jalen Kitna once this season and he didn’t disappoint. If Richardson does leave for the NFL, I think you’ll see a battle for the starting QB role between Kitna, Jack Miller, and a transfer QB.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Florida WRs have struggled this season and haven’t done Richardson many favors. The Gators simply don’t have much NFL talent in the room right now.
Justin Shorter and Ricky Pearsall have established themselves as the two best receivers on the team; after that you don’t have much.
Pearsall is the best route runner on the team and possesses above average speed and ball skills. This was a really good addition by the staff. Napier and Sale need to get more creative with Pearsall. You need to get the ball in the hands of your best weapons.
Shorter has been a pleasant surprise for me this season. He’s excelled in one-on-one coverage and the Gators should continue to target him when the safety is not pictured.
The future of the room consists of a bunch of young and inexperienced talent. It’s possible that Aidan Mizell, Eugene Wilson, and Andy Jean play EARLY in their Gator careers. I’m a really big fan of Caleb Douglas; he has a bright future ahead of him. Marcus Burke, Ja’Quavion Fraziars, and Daejon Reynolds will need to contribute next season. Xzaiver Henderson will likely also return.
I think you’ll see the staff push hard for Ricky Pearsall to return next season, creating more of a bridge for these younger guys. It wouldn’t surprise me if Napier hits the portal for another receiver or two.
TIGHT ENDS
The tight end group is likely the worst offensive unit for the Gators. We’ve primarily seen Dante Zanders and Keon Zipperer this season.
Zipperer has been the more effective of the two this season, totaling 13 catches for 177 yards and one touchdown. Zanders has just five catches for 38 yards this season. I didn’t expect much from Zanders this season, but he had more yards in the spring game than he does through seven games of the 2022 season.
The loss of Kemore Gamble clearly hurt this Gators offense. If I’m Billy Napier, it’s mandatory that I go and grab a transfer TE for next season. Jonathan Odom and Nick Elksnis just don’t have enough on tape.
FINAL STATEMENT
The Gators offense averages 430 yards per game, which ranks 7th in the SEC. This is despite ranking last in drives and snaps per game. The Gators’ defense and special teams haven’t done any favors for Richardson and this offense through seven games. However, Florida has one of the best rushing offenses in college football and the future looks bright in this area. Napier has some work to do with the passing attack moving forward with the rest of the season and into next year. The Gators are coming off their first game without a turnover this season, that’s a step in the right direction.
Napier has done a good job with this offense, considering the hand he’s been dealt.