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Florida football athletic director Scott Stricklin released a statement on Thursday that served as a vote of confidence for head coach Billy Napier and his staff as the 2024 season comes to a close.
The Florida Gators (4-4. 2-3 SEC) bounced back from a dismal 1-2 start that included double-digit losses at home to No. 4 Miami and No. 16 Texas A&M. But a tougher road awaits, beginning Saturday at No. 5 Texas and continuing with home games against No. 13 LSU and No. 12 Ole Miss.
Florida has played harder for Napier since the open week in late September and is improving on defense, allowing just an average of 22.5 points in its last four games. UF also has faced a brutal schedule, with three of its four losses coming against teams currently ranked in the top 10 of the US LBM coaches poll (No. 2 Georgia, No. 4 Miami and No. 6 Texas).
“As we’ve seen these past several weeks, the young men on this team represent what it means to be a Gator,” Stricklin said. “Their resolve, effort and execution are evident in their performance and growth each week – building a foundation that promises greater success next season and beyond.”
Here are three reasons why Florida is sticking with Napier:
Florida football wants to keep 5-star quarterback DJ Lagway and its promising young core
The 6-foot-3, 239-pound Lagway, who is questionable for his week’s game against the Longhorns with a hamstring injury, has shown promise and big-play ability as a true freshman quarterback. Of Lagway’s six TD passes, five have been on connections of 25 yards or more, including a 43-yard TD pass to wide receiver Aidan Mizell.
Per ESPN.com’s Pete Thamel, 70% of UF’s Name, Image and Likeness money is tied up in freshman and sophomores. That includes Lagway, true freshman running back Jadan Baugh (who tied a school record with 5 rushing TDs against Kentucky), true…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/takeaways-ad-vote-confidence-florida-191006144.html
Author : The Gainesville Sun
Publish date : 2024-11-07 19:10:06
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