On3 Roundtable: What life after Anthony Richardson will look like for Florida's offense

Florida is in an awkward state at the moment having lost star quarterback Anthony Richardson to the pros. Head coach Billy Napier has been searching for an identity for his team this season despite the loss of their nucleus.

GatorsOnline’s Nick de la Torre joined On3’s JD PicKell on a recent edition of the On3 Roundtable to discuss his vision for the Gators’ offense this upcoming season, and how they plan to succeed without the arm, and legs, of Richardson.

“Well, the jersey’s the same. I don’t know that they did Graham Mertz any favors giving him Tim [Tebow] and Anthony [Richardson’s] number, but I think you’re going to lose some of that explosiveness,” de la Torre told PicKell. “Blown call, bad coverage, [Richardson] can go 75 yards on the ground. I don’t think you have that anymore in Gainseville anymore.

“So, tighten up your play-calling Billy [Napier]. I think what you’re going to have is a strong rushing game. You have a big offensive line, a stable of horses in that running back room — and you just need your quarterback to be serviceable.”

It’s easy to tell your quarterback to not turn the ball over, hit the easy passes and just make the easy play. But it’s never easy going from one quarterback that has all the intangibles, to an unproven transfer — especially because 2022 was Napier’s first in Gainesville.

Right as he was getting comfortable with his play-calling, Napier and Florida lost Richardson, who was the centerpiece of their offense, to the 2023 NFL Draft. Now, the Gators are going to need to compensate. Mertz, a transfer from Wisconsin, is the man expected to become Richardson’s successor, though Mertz isn’t expected to make as many plays with his feet as Richardson did.

Of course, that’s where the running backs come in, as de la Torre stated. Montrell Johnson Jr. and Trevor Etienne will provide a strong one-two punch for Napier’s offense. The two tailbacks combined for 1,560 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2022 and now expectations are that much higher for the duo this fall.

Cam Carroll (transfer portal) and Treyaun Webb (class of 2023) were added this offseason as well, and will see action from time to time this season. Napier, who is known for his ability to succeed in the run game, was able to have at least three running backs tally at least 100 carries in two of his four seasons at Louisiana. Napier’s philosophy has been no different ever since he arrived in the SEC.