Nowadays, the college football season never truly ends as there are many events outside of the games themselves that keep the fanbases fixed on their favorite teams. As we wade out of the thick of the recruiting part of the schedule, up ahead lies spring practice season.
This time around in Gainesville there is a new regime in place as former Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns head coach Billy Napier took the reins after a bizarre season that saw Dan Mullen and crew get sacked. After the tumultuous tenure of the former skipper, the Gator Nation is looking to their new coach to lead their beloved Orange and Blue back to the promised land.
Not only are Florida fans excited about a fresh start with a leader who has a seemingly modern approach to the job, but so are many in the national media. CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd recently published his top 22 storylines for this spring and included the Gators on his list. Here is what he had to say.
17. Billy’s Army: After the frenzied finish to the Dan Mullen era, Florida not only needed normal, it needed to find consistency. Billy Napier brings that to the Gators. The rising star from Louisiana, 42, should get Florida back in the SEC East hunt quickly without the drama. Think of a young Urban Meyer (41 when he took over at Florida). Again, without the drama. The Gators want to be back on top of the SEC. Napier has built a massive support staff to do just that — compete with the Alabamas and Georgias on the field first by competing with them off it. Recruiting is the focus, and we may see a Sunshine State heavyweight battle between Napier and Cristobal for years to come.
There is no doubt that expectations are high both in Gainesville and abroad, and hopefully, Napier and his army can live up to the lofty bar being set. Spring practice season should be a fun one as we get our first glimpses at that future in the Swamp.
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