NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
GAINESVILLE — Florida coach Billy Napier opens spring practices Thursday aiming to set a new course for a struggling program entering Year 3 on his watch.
Napier welcomes 30 new scholarship players and four new assistant coaches, the latest being Jonathan Decoster as UF continues to have two offensive line assistants.
In the search for answers, leaders, playmakers and momentum, the Gators will stage 15 practices during six weeks, culminating with the April 13 spring game in the Swamp.
Questions abound while hope springs eternal:
How much can we learn about DJ Lagway?
The nation’s no. 1 quarterback recruit is key to Napier’s long-term future. The 18-year-old also will have to wait his turn.
Graham Mertz returns for a second season in Gainesville after transferring from Wisconsin and resurrecting his career. Lagway views Mertz, 23, as a mentor, but needs to have a role in 2024.
What Lagway can provide should begin to crystallize during the coming weeks.
The 6-foot-2, 238-pound Texas native has dual-threat abilities Mertz lacks. Lagway potentially could provide a downfield passing threat Mertz was unable to muster in 2023. Among SEC schools, UF’s 14 completions of at least 30 yards were fewer than only hapless Mississippi State.
Many envision Lagway having a Tim Tebow-like role while Mertz handles the load a la Chris Leak during the 2006 NCAA title run.
Lagway first needs to develop comfort in the offense, timing with his receivers and leadership in the huddle.
Tebow, another 5-star QB, was pedestrian as an early enrollee in 2006. Feleipe Franks, a high-profile LSU flip, was a disaster in 2016, highlighted by 3 spring game interceptions on 4 pass attempts.
Tebow became a legend while the turnover-prone Franks was a textbook case in unfulfilled potential.
Lagway’s every move will be watched and weighed. Time will tell…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/gators-spring-football-much-learn-120000373.html
Author : Orlando Sentinel
Publish date : 2024-03-06 12:00:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
