Billy Napier: Dante Zanders has been a 'godsend'

Florida found itself in a tough situation at the tight end position early in spring practice. Three scholarship guys went down with injuries, forcing Billy Napier to move defensive lineman Dante Zanders to the other side of the ball. Since then, it’s been nothing but rave reviews for Zanders from his head coach.

Napier was asked about the tight ends group again recently, giving him the opportunity to reflect on what Zanders has done at the position. It’s only been a few practices where Zanders is playing offense but Napier said he has been the story of spring practice, regardless of position.

“You can immediately see where he’s got a future,” Napier said. “I can’t compliment him enough. I mean, he’s been the story of the spring. We get three scholarship tight ends injured, out for spring, three four, five practices in. We move him over from defense and the guy picked it up quickly. He did the extra. I saw him around the facility more than some of our coaches. He was in there, grinding away and he has ability. The guy is 6-5, weighs 260 pounds. He’s loose, he can transition, he’s got good ball skills. Most importantly, he’s smart and he’s consistent. The guy is heavy-handed at the point of attack. I mean, he’s a godsend. Not only did he make the move but that guy will be running out there. He’s going to make a lot of plays for us. Extremely pleased with Dante.”

Zanders entered the Florida program as a tight end before switching over to the defensive line. With the numbers crunch, Napier has switched him back over to his natural position. Tight ends coach William Peagler has spoken highly of him too, saying Zanders has a “real chance” to be a key contributor come the fall.

Billy Napier continues support of Zanders

This was not the first time Napier has spoken highly of Zanders. After a practice taking place earlier in the spring, the head coach used the exact same word to describe the transition, calling the former defensive lineman a “godsend.” It’s fair to say to Gators’ staff has been pleased over the course of the spring.

“But I would say this Dante Zanders, right. Dante Zanders has moved from defensive line to tight end and has really done well. And there’s no question, in my mind, that he not only is gonna be able to play, but I think the guy can do it do his job. So he has been a godsend to some degree relative to his ability. He’s really bright, he’s picked it up quickly. I mean he’s able to go out there and execute,” said Napier.