Everything Jeff Scott had to say about Florida coach Billy Napier

Untitled designby:Nick de la Torre•09/13/22•

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The relationship between USF head coach Jeff Scott and Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier goes all the way back to Clemson. The two narrowly missed each other in the early 2000s. Scott was a receiver at Clemson from 2000-2002. Napier was just getting his coaching career started as a graduate assistant for the Tigers from 2003-2004.

They both joined Dabo Swinney’s staff at Clemson — Napier in 2006 as tight ends coach and recruiting coordinators. Scott two years later as the receivers coach, when Napier was named offensive coordinator in 2009, Scott took over as the recruiting coordinator.

The two have a long history together. Napier was asked about Scott on Monday and had nothing but glowing things to say about his former colleague.

“I think he’s got a program there where they’re trying to impact people and use the game in a positive way. He’s got a great offensive mind. He’s very organized, very much a CEO, got a good business mind,” Napier said of Scott. “A guy that I think is one of the bright young coaches in the game. Jeff’s been successful at all stops here, right? Certainly, he’s in the process of building a program there in South Florida.”

Scott on Napier

“Billy’s a very fundamental coach. He believes in fundamentals and techniques and playing hard. Then offensively, you definitely can see his stamp and the things that he likes to do and move guys around. I think that shows up a lot,” Scott said of Napier. “Overall, they look very disciplined to me. They’re playing extremely hard. I would say that the biggest thing that stands out right now, I know and have known that they’re explosive on offense. They’ve got a lot of weapons there.”

“The quarterback’s an incredible, phenomenal athlete and really can score at any moment. Really watching the video … what stands out is their defense, I think, has a chance to be elite. They’re really, really good up front. You look at both Utah and Kentucky that had to leave extra guys to help that offensive line and chip those defensive ends. When they didn’t, the quarterback got hit. I think that stands out pretty quick. I think they’re going to be a really, really strong team as the year continues.”

Scott on The Swamp

“That’s an environment that many of our players probably watched for many years growing up. To be able to get an opportunity to go compete on that stage is definitely one that all of them are looking forward to.”

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