With fall camp right around the corner, I gave Gator Country’s subscribers a chance to ask questions regarding Florida Gators football.
Here is part one of the Q&A.
Keefer: In your opinion, what must transpire for UF to win 10 games this season?
NM: First and foremost, Gators’ quarterback DJ Lagway must stay healthy. The rising sophomore is capable of keeping Florida in every game on the schedule regardless of competition. The Gators’ schedule has a ton of 50-50 games based on talent. I think it’s fair to group Miami, Tennessee, LSU, Texas A&M, and even Ole Miss in same tier as Florida. What separates Florida from most of those teams is the talent they have a quarterback, however. The reality is Florida will have to beat up on those five teams, and maybe even take one from Georgia or Texas to win 10 games in the regular season, which in all likelihood would guarantee them a playoff spot. The Gators will need Lagway to take the jump most expect him to make in order to win 10 games. If he does, there’s no reason why Florida shouldn’t have a top 25 offense in college football, which is almost necessary with as much talent as the Gators have on offense.
Florida’s defense will also have to find a more consistent defensive approach for the entire season. The Gators ended last year on a strong note, but they won’t win 10 games by waiting until the last four games to play sound defense. I also think it’s imperative that Florida stays healthy at defensive tackle and cornerback, two positions I believe lack depth. The Gators need to be stronger off the edge this season in pass rush scenarios.
Blackbird68: What is actually the status of DJ’s health?
NM: DJ Lagway is expected to be a full participant in fall camp. Gator Country’s Andrew Spivey reported this on June 12th.
“Sources who have watched OTA’s have told me that DJ Lagway looks completely healthy and sharp. I’m told Lagway is showing no signs of injury and that has arm strength has been really good. One source said that he was super focused during practices.”
StrangeGator: How do you see the WR rotation working, specifically who fills the X, Y and Z positions and who backs them up?
NM: Billy Napier doesn’t have a strong history of rotating wide receivers. Only in his first year at UF did he use more than five wide receivers for 100+ snaps on the season. Realistically you can expect four guys to significantly contribute and a 5th who steps in for an injury.
My projected starters for week one are Eugene Wilson III, J.Michael Sturdivant, and Dallas Wilson. Aidan Mizell will also firmly be in the mix.
Here’s my projected depth chart:
WRX: J.Michael Sturdivant, Aidan Mizell
WRZ: Dallas Wilson, TJ Abrams or Naeshaun Montgomery
WRY: Eugene Wilson III, Vernell Brown III or Tank Hawkins
Gatrpe: Everyone on this board thinks Napier is a great coach. Are they correct?
NM: I’m going to take this question as “Do you think Napier is a great coach”. Well, it’s hard to call someone a great coach who holds a 19-19 overall record and a sub .500 record in SEC play across three seasons. I do believe Napier has some great qualities. He’s a good recruiter, talent evaluator, and relationship builder. He’s a leader of men in the locker room, and his players really respect him. He’s going to have to improve as an on-field coach if he wants to succeed at Florida or delegate those responsibilities to an established coach. It’s really that simple. I do think he’s put together the most talented roster in years, and it could lead to a very exciting season in Gainesville.
gatorzfan: Have you heard of anyone having lingering injuries that will cause them to miss or be limited when practices start?
NM: Florida expects to be nearly 100% healthy when fall camp starts. The one to keep an eye on would be defensive back Aaron Gates, who suffered a knee injury which required surgery late in the 2024 season. However, Gates was dressing out at the end of spring camp and was back on the field in a very limited capacity. So he very well may be good to go, but the status of Gates is currently unclear.
Gator_nica: 1. What do you think the Pass-Run ratio will be with this offense (including QB runs)? 2. What would you prefer the Pass-Run ratio to actually be?
NM: I expect Florida to be very close to 50-50 on the pass-run ratio, and I think that’s right where they should be.
We’ve seen a mixed bag from Napier throughout his three seasons as play caller at UF. Under Mertz, Florida threw the ball more, specifically in the 2023 season. In 2024, Florida ran the ball more after having to use three different quarterbacks, one being a true freshman and another a walk on. In 2025, Florida has the opportunity to use the run and the pass to complement each other. With an experienced offensive line, Florida should look to run the ball to set up the play action pass, where DJ Lagway thrives. The Gators have a unique mix of players on offense including a veteran offensive line, stable of running backs and receivers, and a talented gunslinger. This season should give us a better look at how Napier wants to operate his offensive from a pass-run ratio standpoint.
Singles: What will be the first offensive play of the season?
NM: Play action shot to J.Michael Sturdivant. 55 yard gain.