WATCH: Napier says UF will be 'very aggressive' in transfer portal this spring
Following his first scrimmage as Florida’s coach, Billy Napier had a message for college football players across the country: the Gators are open for business.
With his team’s depth issues and roster needs, Napier let it be known that he and his staff will take an aggressive approach to the transfer portal after spring camp.
“I think we live in a new era, right? This is a new way of operating in college football,” Napier said of the portal. “We took over a program, we’ve had a number of things that have caused attrition on our team. I mean, we’re literally going to give five walk-ons scholarships this spring.
“We have spots available. So, the University of Florida, you can anticipate us being very aggressive in the portal this spring. We need players. Now, I think the approach is going to be, acquire as many good players as we can at any position.”
The Gators entered spring camp with 77 scholarship players, including transfers and early enrollees, with 15 more signees coming this summer. However, the team could have double-digit transfers between now and July.
UF is now at 75 scholarships with tight end Gage Wilcox suffering a career-ending injury and quarterback Emory Jones deciding to transfer. Wilcox is one of 10 players who’ve been sidelined or limited in practice with injuries.
In addition to Jones, several more current players are expected to enter the portal this month.
“We’re approaching double digits, if that makes sense,” said Napier, who will be able to counter those departures with roster additions from the portal. “I think it’s fortunate that we have that opportunity, right? It’s something I’m very thankful for. Can’t imagine not having that opportunity at this point. So, that window of time is coming. We anticipate doing a lot of business and we’re looking forward to it.”
College football players electing to transfer can play immediately this fall as long as they notify their school and enter the portal by the May 1 deadline.
The biggest needs for UF appear to be wide receiver, tight end, inside linebacker and safety, but Napier is open to upgrading the talent at any and all positions.
“We’re thin and we need help in a lot of different spots,” he said. “Every position on our team, we need more players, right? We need more depth. … This is a very inexperienced team.
“After the first team if you look at the experience, the number of plays that a lot of these guys have played, they haven’t played any. So, we have a lot of work to do to develop that second and third group.”
