Billy Napier raves about impact of Trevor Etienne, Montrell Johnson

Billy Napier didn’t mince words about the impact of Trevor Etienne and Montrell Johnson in the Florida Gators backfield.

The two of them led the Gators to an upset victory over Tennessee Saturday and it put Florida into the top 25 of the latest AP Poll. Basically, the two of them led Napier’s signature victory as head coach.

It’s early in the season, but guys like Etienne and Johnson could carry this team far.

“Yeah. I mean, Trevor was on fire out there tonight,” Napier said postgame. “I mean, just the instincts, the vision. Him and Montrell both were in situations where they made guys miss tackles. And then after contact created big plays. You think about the screen, Montrell gets a little piece of the guy. Both of those guys have got great contact balance. 

“And what’s good for our team is they’re some of the hardest working kids that we have. They have character. They’re extremely bright. They set a great example. So I think that helps your team when your best players are the best examples.”

In the 29-16 upset win, Etienne ran 23 times for 172 yards and a touchdowns, averaging 7.5 yards per carry. Johnson meanwhile, ran 12 times for just 23 yards but also scored.

Johnson found the end zone twice though, catching a pass for 18 yards and scored.

“Well, we knew we needed to start fast,” Napier said of scoring 26 points in the first half. “If you look at the analytics, if you’re down at halftime against this crew — now, it’s a different Tennessee team, but I think just in general the importance of starting fast. We emphasized that. And I think they were ready to play early. Although we didn’t get points in the first possession, we were ready to play.”

The offense slowed down in the second half, scoring just three points in the fourth quarter. But the defense stood out for Florida after Etienne and Johnson led the way early on.

“And then defensively, after that first possession, we kind of settled in,” Napier said. “And we chewed up some clock. Not only did we score — I don’t know how many play drives those were, but we were able to be efficient and rush the ball, convert on third down and have a pretty good lead. 

“We found a way to win. I probably was a little too conservative in the second half. All that being said, when it’s a three touchdown game and your defense is playing well, you’re trying to get to the house with a W.”

Etienne and Johnson will lead the running attack for No. 25 Florida at home against Charlotte this Saturday before returning to SEC play at Kentucky a week later.