Starting this week, fans of all SEC teams are excited to tune into SEC Media Days. For the Florida Gators, there will be plenty of questions. Billy Napier and his players address the Gator media on Wednesday. From questions about lack of success to the grueling schedule, Napier will have a lot to discuss. Bringing three players with him, Napier chose Graham Mertz, Montrell Johnson Jr., and Shemar James. With all three players being veterans, they will know how to handle the media and the likely criticism. There is no doubt that this is a pivotal season for the Gators, possibly even make-or-break for Napier. The chosen players need to address the media with poise, noting that this is a competitive football team. Football fans across the country have already written off this team, however, the players will dictate their season.
Things To Keep an Eye On
Two offensive players and one defensive player were chosen to represent the Florida Gators. A solid offense this past season, quarterback Graham Mertz surprised many with his poise and ability to avoid turnovers. However, despite an impressive season from Mertz the Gators still finished 5-7, missing out on a bowl game. Adding some offensive line help as well as new weapons from the transfer portal, this offense has potential. For the Gator media, many of the questions will be about the lack of results, and if this season is any different. It will be interesting to see how the players respond to this criticism. Defensively, words will not be minced regarding this often subpar unit. It will be important that Shemar James addresses this and offers up accountability. For Billy Napier, many are intrigued by what motivation he has brought his team.
Attendees
All three players that have been chosen to attend were bright spots on a struggling Florida team. For Mertz, he was one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the nation, rarely putting the ball in harm’s way. Big things are expected out of him in year two under this offense. Running back Montrell Johnson Jr. will no doubt receive a bigger workload thanks to Trevor Etienne’s departure. With a chance to become one of the premier backs in the SEC, how he responds will be compelling. Now having played for two years in the SEC, he will be experienced and expected to help develop the younger playmakers. The offense should be in good hands this upcoming season, as they return plenty of talent. Specifically, this heightened receiver room should be quite beneficial for Graham Mertz. Perhaps not jaw-dropping, this offense will still be top-tier in the SEC.
More than likely, Shemar James will have plenty of questions to answer about this Florida Gators defense. Despite being a bright spot, he will have to shoulder the criticism, as Napier selected him. One of the top linebackers in the SEC, James missed a large portion of the year due to injury. Working his way back to full health, his return will be crucial for a unit struggling to perform. However, after adding some talent via the transfer portal, expectations are climbing. With Jason Marshall Jr. coming back to lead the secondary, the whole defense should be much more experienced. One of the big issues last season was physicality, as the Gators often missed tackles and were out-muscled. James must come into SEC Media Days with a game plan, discussing with the Gator media why people should believe in this team.
More Experienced?
One of the younger teams in the country, lack of experience was the biggest issue. Having to adjust to SEC speed coming out of high school is no easy task. With the Gators forced to throw true freshmen into game action, the results were up and down. Disregarding that stinker against LSU, many young defensive players made strides throughout the season. Never lacking talent, a lack of experience simply led to coverage breakdowns and lapses in judgment. Bringing in a new defensive backs coach with an emphasis on tackling should bolster the physicality. If this team wants to compete for a bowl game, the defense must carry their weight. This Media Day will allow fans an insight into the players’ mindsets, and how they will change the narrative.
Napier’s Mindset
It is no secret that Billy Napier has entered the hot seat after this past year. Another season with a losing record and he will most certainly be removed from his duties. Returning plenty of young talent, the coaches must prepare these young athletes week in and week out. The players would often seem unprepared or confused while on the field, which speaks ill of the coaching. However, the locker room is a tight-knit group, with the players constantly raving about Billy Napier and his program. There have never been rumors that the players are against Napier, however, being a nice man isn’t enough in the SEC. Reporters will surely be asking all types of questions related to these issues. The Gator media wants to see a passionate head coach, who knows that the results of the past few seasons have not been up to standard.
