Billy Napier impressed with Anthony Richardson, calls out defense after first half of spring game

If Florida fans didn’t know much about Anthony Richardson before, they probably do now. Gators fans had plenty of reason to like what they saw from their presumptive starting quarterback — and Billy Napier made note of that during a third-quarter interview.

However, it wasn’t all good. Napier told ESPN+’s Lauren Sisler he wanted to see more out of his defense after one half of play.

“We probably need to create a few more negative plays on defense,” Napier said. “Pressure a little bit more, move the front. But overall, we’ve thrown and caught the ball really well. We’ve been efficient, we’re not getting sacked, we’re not getting tackles for loss. That’s the way you want to play on offense. Overall, want to see some leadership from this defensive group here in this second half.”

But Napier also spoke highly of Richardson’s first half. He completed 13 of 15 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns in the first two quarters, and Napier said he likes how far he’s come during spring practice. He also didn’t sound surprised considering how talented of an athlete Richardson is.

“The guy’s 6-foot-4, 236 pounds and I think the other day, he hit 21.5 miles per hour on the GPS, so just a phenomenal athlete,” Napier said. “It comes out of his hand really well. Short, intermediate deep, he’s got great touch. He’s proved this spring to be an accurate passer. I’ve been impressed with how quickly he’s picked it up. Just sitting out here behind him tonight, he’s playing with poise and the ball’s going where it should go.”

Richardson didn’t play much last year behind Emory Jones, but he’s getting his chance this year. Early in the spring game, he looked the part of a potential SEC starting quarterback, too.

Florida legend Steve Spurrier praises Anthony Richardson in Gators spring game

Florida legend Steve Spurrier has never met a microphone that he didn’t like. On Thursday evening, he was kind enough to be up in the booth with the commentators on the ESPN+ television broadcast for Florida’s spring game.

The commentators asked him a few questions about Gators’ quarterback Anthony Richardson and the skill set he brings to the table for their offense. Spurrier knows a thing or two about great quarterback play and he had plenty of praise for Billy Napier’s presumptive QB1.

“Tell you what, Chris, I think we all know, Anthony Richardson is a talented player. And he can be big time for us,” Spurrier said. “Hopefully he can stay very healthy this year. He can throw the ball, he can run, hopefully we will use him occasionally run him, not dominantly, because he’s an excellent passer. He’s a natural quarterback.”