Billy Napier talks Fenley Graham's position change, transition to WR

On3 imageby:Zach Abolverdi•03/23/22•

ZachAbolverdi

The coaching change in Gainesville has led to a position change for Florida’s Fenley Graham. 

He contributed the past two seasons primarily in a special teams role, although not how many expected. Despite signing with UF specifically as a returner, Graham has yet to return a kick or punt at UF.

He has a total of five career tackles as a defensive back. Graham appeared in six games as a true freshman and played in 12 games last season, recording three tackles against Tennessee and a forced fumble vs. Samford. 

Graham will have a chance to get the ball in his hands this year. He has moved over from defense and switched to slot receiver this spring. 

“That room, in general, we needed another player. We were a little short, and Fenley’s played there in the past,” Florida coach Billy Napier said Tuesday of Graham’s position change. 

There hasn’t, however, been a number change for Graham, who apparently likes the No. 39 jersey he was assigned in 2020. It’s not a popular number and he wants to make his mark with it.

Fenley Graham’s transition to WR

The addition of Graham gives the Gators nine scholarship receivers to practice with, as he joins Justin Shorter, Trent Whittemore, Xzavier Henderson, Ja’Quavion Fraziars, Ja’Markis Weston, Marcus Burke, Daejon Reynolds and Jordan Pouncey. 

A 10th wideout, 2022 signee Caleb Douglas, will enroll in the summer. 

Whittemore started in the slot last season, catching 19 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown, but Florida doesn’t have a fast, elusive receiver on the roster like Kadarius Toney or Freddie Swain to play inside. 

Graham could potentially provide that given his ability as a returner at Lakeland High School. He averaged 48.6 yards per kickoff return in 2018 and 44.3 yards as a senior. He also averaged 22.6 yards per punt return in 2018 and 21.7 yards in 2019 with two touchdowns.

However, being new to the position at 5-foot-9, 166 pounds, Graham will need time to develop at receiver before he can contribute in the passing game. He’s had some dropped passes in practice during the viewing periods for media and must work with WRs coach Keary Colbert on his route running. 

“Fenley’s very much a developmental player and consistency is very much a quality that describes a player that I have respect for,” Napier said. “I think Fenley, like a lot of the players on our team, needs to be more consistent as people and as football players.”

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