The Florida Gators recently finished up their time at SEC Media Days on Wednesday. Billy Napier decided to bring Anthony Richardson, Richard Gouraige, and Ventrell Miller to Atlanta for the four-day event. Although many fans believe that the Gators are in rebuilding mode, this media event should spur some excitement for the upcoming season. Here’s a quick recap of what each of the guys had to say.
Billy Napier
This was Napier’s first SEC Media Days as a head coach in the southeastern conference. Napier’s introductory speech showed that he was very appreciative of the ones who helped him to become a part of the Florida Gators. He further went on to thank his coaching staff for their efforts over the summer, and he discussed the team’s expectations for 2022.
Napier is well aware that both Alabama and Georgia have separated themselves within the conference, and he ensures that Florida will be in that conversation soon. Regardless of the rivalries, Napier still has respect for both Nick Saban and Kirby Smart dating back to his time with Alabama.
Anthony Richardson
Following Emory Jones’ transfer to the Arizona State Sun Devils, Richardson is now the clear starting quarterback for the Gators. Richardson was quick to embrace the attention and discarded his AR-15 nickname due to recent shooting tragedies.
Likely, he will be the face of the team for the next two years, and he definitely carries a positive vibe and leadership attitude. In a short matter of time, Richardson will take advantage of the new landscape of NIL and become the cultural icon of Florida football.
Richard Gouraige
Gouraige was a surprising pick by Napier to travel to SEC Media Days, but he is a veteran and a vocal motivator for the squad. Gouraige talked about the unique coaching mindset of Napier, and he was quick to compliment the idea of having two offensive line coaches on the staff. Gouraige understands the importance of winning in the trenches, especially in the SEC. He knows that Florida has to compete with the best of the best on a weekly basis.
Ventrell Miller
Miller is a redshirt senior that didn’t play much last year due to injuries. Now, he will be the leader of the defense; a unit that needs to regroup after the departure of past defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. While Miller was quite a defensive player in 2020, he will have to work to regain that status in 2022. He made it clear that he holds everyone accountable, and he was very appreciative towards the coaches.
Concluding Thoughts
SEC Media Day is usually the time where SEC teams link up to compliment other teams and players. This year’s event was more of the same, but it provides a sense that the college football season nears. Napier will provide a different type of feeling and winning culture for the program and its fans.