Napier Discusses First Scrimmage: ‘A Productive Day Overall’
The Florida Gators held their first scrimmage of 2025 on Tuesday as they prepare for the upcoming Orange and Blue Game on April 12.
Head coach Billy Napier acknowledged the team’s progress but also pointed out that their start to the scrimmage was slower than expected.
“Overall, it was a productive day, but I didn’t think we started fast,” he said. “At the beginning, we were shaking off some rust, but the second, third, and fourth quarters showed much better effort.”
Napier was satisfied with the team’s physicality but emphasized the need to further develop their mental toughness. He noted the improvements made since Saturday’s practice, which he described as the best of the spring, and believes the team is taking steps in the right direction.
“It was physical, but we need to keep making progress in becoming a tough-minded, fundamentally sound group,” he said. “We need to handle adversity and momentum, especially in tough venues on the road and in high-pressure situations. There’s been a lot of progress overall.”
A key topic in Florida’s spring camp has been the availability of sophomore starting quarterback DJ Lagway, who has been limited due to a shoulder injury. While he has participated in certain drills, Lagway did not throw during the scrimmage, and he is not expected to throw in the spring game.
Despite this, Lagway was involved in the scrimmage, helping with play calls from behind the scenes.
“He’s been modified in terms of his ability to throw, but he’s doing great overall,” Napier said. “Today, he played every play from behind and was with me getting the play call.”
With Lagway unavailable to throw, transfer Harrison Bailey, freshman Tramell Jones Jr., and 2024 backup Aidan Warner took reps at quarterback. Napier particularly praised Warner for a standout performance, including a deep touchdown pass to Aidan Mizell.
The quarterbacks performed well when the pocket was clean, according to Napier, but Florida’s edge rushers made their presence felt, with Kamran James notably recording a pick-six after tipping a pass at the line of scrimmage.
“The competition was there,” Napier said about the edge rushers and offensive tackles. “We protected fairly well overall, but there were sacks, pressures, and QB hits throughout the game.”
Despite the edge rushers’ strong showing, Napier remains confident in his offensive line, which includes four returning starters and Bryce Lovett, a capable former backup, ready to step in at right tackle. He also highlighted the depth of the group, with several experienced backups and promising young players.
“Overall, it’s the best offensive line we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Napier said. “The culture in that room is as good as ever, and the coaches are doing a fantastic job. The tape has been clean, and it’s been fun to watch.”
This first scrimmage will also be the only one before the Gators’ spring game on April 12. With Napier noting a sluggish start, it will be interesting to see how the team performs in front of a crowd.
In a time when many teams either don’t hold or don’t broadcast their spring games, Napier expressed excitement about playing in front of fans.
“I’m excited to have a game, and I’m excited for our fans to be here,” Napier said. “They’ll get to see all the new players we have, as well as the young players we’re developing. It’s going to be an awesome day.”
The 2025 Orange and Blue Game will take place at 1 p.m. inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, with free admission for fans.
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