Ja'Quavion Fraziars ‘stepped up to the plate’ in first career start
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With Justin Shorter sidelined Saturday, Gators receiver Ja’Quavion Fraziars made his first career start and had a career day in the win over Texas A&M.
Fraziars appeared in the first eight games of 2022 but had yet to make a catch. He set career highs against the Aggies in receptions (four), receiving yards (50) and receiving long (19), surpassing his season total from a year ago of 35 yards on five catches.
“Fraziars stepped up to the plate today, huge plays in the game,” Florida coach Billy Napier said of Fraziars. “We call him ‘Baby J’ but one thing about Fraziars … he’s got a smile on his face, he’s a worker. He hasn’t played as much as he probably wants on offense. He’s played on special teams; he’s a really good special teams player.
“But man, he’s got energy about him. He’s a great teammate. Everybody in academics, nutrition, strength and conditioning, you can’t find a person that wouldn’t say, ‘Hey, that guy’s a great human being.’ He works. He does it the right way. He was ready, and when the opportunity presented itself, he stepped up today.”
Fraziars came up big in the third quarter with an impressive one-handed touchdown catch on a dime from quarterback Anthony Richardson. Fraziars was shaken up on the play but later returned and made a 14-yard reception.
His 19-yard touchdown put the Gators in front 27-24, a lead they would never lose.
“In our system we call it yes/no. That’s pretty much our option,” Richardson said of the TD play to Fraziars. “If I like it, yes, go ahead and throw the ball. If I don’t like, no, don’t throw the ball. So, I looked out there and I felt confident with the matchup. And I just let it go and he made a great play for me.”
Better throw or better catch?
“Way better catch,” Richardson said. “Way better.”
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In other Florida football news
- Gators Online’s Nick de la Torre shares his Five Thoughts from Florida’s win over A&M.
- Quarterback Anthony Richardson’s first SEC road win was a “pivotal day” in his career.
- Grading the Gators in their victory against the Aggies, courtesy of Pro Football Focus.
- Tracking the snaps counts for the Florida football players in their game at Texas A&M.
- Top Plays: Watch the best moments from the Gators’ 41-24 victory in College Station.
- What they said: The Gators win their first SEC game on the road since the 2020 season.
- WATCH: Coach Billy Napier praises Florida’s resolve and defense after the win at A&M.
- WATCH: The Florida Gators sing their fight song and celebrate the win over the Aggies.
UF recruiting roundup
- Gators Online’s Corey Bender shares the latest intel on Florida commit Sharif Denson.
- Elite 2024 LB Sammy Brown is in consistent communication with UF and plans to visit.
- Elite prospect Jordan Hall includes UF in his final five and will officially visit the school.
- An On300 cornerback in the 2023 class is planning to schedule an official visit with UF.
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Gators Twitter updates
- Post-game locker room scene after Florida’s win at A&M:
![Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier celebrates with Florida Gators wide receiver Aidan Mizell (11) after a touchdown during the first half at the Orange and Blue spring football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, April 13, 2024. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://on3static.com/cdn-cgi/image/height=215,width=393,quality=90,fit=cover,gravity=0.5x0.5/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/04/13155133/Untitled-design-65-2.png)
