Billy Napier reveals area that Florida has grown most since the spring

There’s a culture change occurring in Gainesville. With Billy Napier taking over the Florida program in the offseason, the Gators have already come a long way as fall practice gets underway this week. Players have already noticed, citing the team already being more disciplined but it’s not going to stop there for Napier.

When asked how Florida has grown since spring practice ended, Napier gave a more unique answer compared to the normal coach speak. He said everybody inside the building is getting to know each other better, citing the human element of playing football. Napier wants people to build relationships, saying it’s “critical” for his team.

“We probably know each other a little bit better is what I would say,” Napier said. “I think the relationship piece is important. I think the connection inside the building, that’s one of the things we’ve really focused on. There’s a certain loyalty that comes with this game, right? There’s a human element. When you have a relationship with the people you’re competing with, when you know their story, when you’ve had in-depth conversations. You know what to say when to motivate, you can push a button. I think it’s critical for the leadership on our team.

Billy Napier explains how he is helping players connect with one another

Napier can’t just expect everyone to get along and build solid relationships with one another out of nothing. He and his staff have been implementing different ways players can get to learn more about their teammates. Whether it’s through new roommates, or rearranging locker rooms, Napier is pulling out all of the stops.

“Going out of your way to connect, sit down with someone that you don’t know,” said Napier. “We make everybody learn everybody’s name, their hometown. We got little things that we do. We shuffled the deck in the locker room. We’re pairing their roommate for training camp, it will be somebody they don’t really know. We do all types of things.

“We’re very intentional about the human element of the game. I think there’s something to be said about developing loyalty and galvanizing the team. I think we’ve made progress in that area but this group will be the first time we’ve ever done anything as a whole cell.”

More than just players, coaches involved with Florida program

Players and coaches will get all of the credit for wins in a college football program but Napier made sure to highlight other people involved as well. More than just the 85-man roster and his staff contribute, saying students help in other areas as well. Napier wants his players to appreciate them along with their teammates.

“Hundreds of people contribute,” the head coach said. “We’ve got students in equipment, in training room, in video, every part of our organization. They could be the difference. Whether their role is really small or their role is big. I think that’s the big thing here — having the appreciation for everybody here and what they bring to the table.”

Napier is hoping to bring a completely different atmosphere to Florida compared to the one Dan Mullen had. It’s only been a few months in charge but the effects are seemingly already paying off.