Tag: Montrell Johnson Jr

DJ Lagway and Montrell Johnson Jr. talk win over Florida State

After Billy Napier finished up with the media in Tallahassee, Florida quarterback DJ Lagway and running back Montrell Johnson Jr. discussed the win over Florida State.

Florida head coach Billy Napier spoke at length about quarterback [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag]’s performance against Florida State after the win, noting he made some true freshman mistakes while also acknowledging his team could play better around the first-year signal caller.

Napier also praised senior running back Montrell Johnson Jr., who eclipsed 3,000 rushing yards for his career, calling him “everything you would want a player to be, in terms of representing the program.”

Both offensive leaders met with the media after the win. Here is everything they said.

Lagway on getting a beating FSU, victory cigar

“It was my first time ever smoking anything. It was cool just to have experience with the guys and just enjoy a team win. It was ugly, but we got the dub and that’s all that really matters.”

On playing at Doak Campbell Stadium

“It’s pretty cool just to see the stadium. You always watch and see it on TV, the horse and stuff like that in the middle of the field. It’s pretty cool to go there and see that and then go play and get the dub, especially in Doak Stadium, so it was good.

Johnson on going out on a winning note

“It means a lot for the future of this program, just knowing that these guys, myself included, have set the platform and the standard for the guys in the future just to go out and make this program great again.”

Jonhson on post-game flag planting

“(Coach Napier) kind of addressed it in the locker room. He was like there’s no place for this. We’re not that type of program, and again there’s no place for this. It’s football, and we’re trying to become a winning program and winning programs don’t do that.”

Lagway on his highlight play, escaping a sack and converting

“I don’t know. (It’s) just playing football, just going out there having heart. Just competing. It wasn’t the prettiest game. There’s a lot of mistakes that we made offensively, and just going out there when my team needs me to make a play, you just got to make a play. Just doing everything I can do to get the W.”

Were you just churning your feet there?

“Yes, sir. I just kept churning. I felt like he kind of pushed off me, so I pushed off him back and got off of him. My helmet was all screwed up. I really couldn’t see Chim(ere Dike). I just threw it to a spot, and he was there, so  it was a great play by Chim to adjust the route.”

Johnson on the play

“I’m sitting on the sideline and like, ‘No way he gets out of this.’ He gets out of it. He throws a dart to Chim. This man is great.”

Lagway on overall health

“I’m feeling a lot better since LSU. It’s a week-by-week process just to get it back. I’m starting to be able to move a lot better now, as y’all can see. I feel like it’s getting better each week and it just continues to progress.

On touchdown to go up 14-0 before the half

“It was huge, especially because we had some communication issues in the red zone that led to the pick. So, it was huge for me to come back to (Marcus) Burke. He felt like he let everybody down, but it’s a team effort. We just all just had to get on the same page. It felt great to go back to him on that route and get that touchdown.”

Johnson on Lagway’s leadership

“As a leader, I’ve seen a lot of maturity at his age that you don’t see a lot, just kind of becoming that natural leader that the team needs right now. whenever guys mess up, a lot of young guys don’t want to speak up, but he speaks up. He speaks his mind, and that’s going to be great in future.

Lagway on ‘off-schedule’ throws

“Just really not giving up on a play. I feel like it just comes with the chemistry of the receivers. Scramble drill and just knowing where they’re supposed to be, getting to their spot and just making plays. At the end of the day, it’s football. It’s what you used to play in the backyard on Thanksgiving with your family. It’s just what it is.

Johnson on rushing for 3,000 yards

“I really don’t know how to feel about it, honestly. Obviously, it means a lot to me, but I just feel like going out there and getting the win with the team and just going out the right way that means more to me.”

On dealing with injuries this season

“It’s been a lot of ups and downs through my journey. Just kind of being a leader that the guys need and being a vocal point when the guys need just to keep high when I’m feeling low.”

How was it to see the players behind you step up

“It’s been a been great just knowing like that those guys are listening to me, just taking the things that I’m given them and just applying it to the field. It shows me that I have grown so much as a leader.”

Lagway on the turning point of the season

“I’d say really just after that Mississippi State game, going on to a bye week and just us competing and seeing what we got and the guys that we got. We just got to go out there compete, and I feel like that’s when we kind of developed our new mojo.

“We were going to play harder than everybody. Hey, no matter who steps on the field, I’m gonna play harder than them, and it’s going to lead to Ws.”

Johnson on ‘spot-the-ball’ mentality

“Spot that ball means a lot to us. It doesn’t matter who’s on the field, the Patriots, the Steelers, spot the ball and we’re going to get after them. I think that our strength coach came up with that. Throughout the week, he always says it and that became the thing for us.”

Johnson on competitive practices this week

“Wednesdays and Tuesdays are always competitive. The defense and offense always go at it. A lot of times, we get on the trail. But those those practices mean a lot to us. That’s like the foundation of this program and if we could be great throughout those days, we’re going to be great on Saturday.”

Do you ever ask for an off day?

“In the back of your head you kind of feel like that, but the work is the work. You got to do it.”

Lagway on recruiting

“Oh yeah, I’m definitely going to be involved with the transfer portal and recruiting classes, but the biggest thing is just trying to keep the guys that we have here. That’s the biggest thing is just making sure everybody’s locked in so we can add and build on to what we’re having, this momentum to the end of the season.”

Is there some excitement among the returners?

“Most definitely. There’s a lot of guys that could possibly get out and go to the league this year that are actually thinking about coming back next year and making a run. And that means a lot because you got to have guys behind you.

“You see this week, like you see this game I didn’t play my best game, but you got guys like Montrell Johnson running the ball making plays, the defense making a heck of a plays getting us on the field. So you got to have the guys around you.

What do you say to recruits who ask why they should be a Gator?

“I just say the big plays, especially a receiver. You’re going to get the ball. We’re going to push the ball down the field. You know you’re going to make some big plays. You’re going to have fun doing it.”

Johnson on defensive performance

Johnson: “I would say that first bye week we had, it was a huge turning point for the team, especially the defense. I don’t know what clicked for them, but something clicked they’ve been playing lights out these past few weeks.”

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Five key factors that drove Florida football’s rivalry win over FSU

Defense, turnovers and big plays: 5 key factors in the Gators’ 31-11 rivalry win over FSU.

Rivalry games often come down to moments, and the Florida Gators made most of theirs in their 31-11 win over the Florida State Seminoles.

The victory wasn’t just a testament to Florida’s talent but also their ability to capitalize on critical moments. While the Gators shined defensively and on the ground, their performance wasn’t flawless, with notable struggles in the passing game and moments of inconsistency.

Rivalry games are rarely about perfection, though—they’re about finding a way to win.

Ultimately, the game came down to execution in key moments, and the Gators rose to the challenge. Here are the five key factors that propelled this Florida football team to victory in this year’s Sunshine Showdown.

Defensive Dominance

Florida’s defense was the undeniable star of the night, dismantling FSU’s offense at every turn. The Gators racked up eight sacks, 14 tackles for loss and forced a total of eight fumbles.

Linebacker Jaden Robinson and defensive lineman Tyreak Sapp were relentless, combining for three sacks and making critical stops in the backfield. The defense didn’t just limit FSU—it actively created scoring opportunities, leading to 14 points off turnovers. This level of defensive aggression set the tone and left the Seminoles scrambling all game.

Explosive ground game

The Gators rushing attack was the backbone of their offensive success, racking up 235 yards on the ground with an impressive 6.2 yards per carry.

Montrell Johnson Jr. led the charge with 99 yards on 10 carries, including a spectacular 65-yard touchdown run. Ja’Kobi Jackson also contributed with 51 yards and a touchdown, providing balance and keeping FSU’s defense on its heels. Jadan Baugh put his mark on the game late, running for 81 yards.

This dominance on the ground allowed Florida to control the tempo, even when the passing game faltered.

Turnover Battle

The turnover margin was a game-changing factor. While Florida only committed on turnover—a DJ Lagway interception—the Gators forced FSU into eight fumbles, recovering five of them.

This defensive opportunism completely shifted the momentum in Florida’s favor. Whether it was Bryce Thornton punching the ball out or Sapp applying pressure in the backfield, the Gators consistently found ways to capitalize on FSU’s mistakes.

Red Zone Efficiency

In a game defined by defensive plays, Florida’s ability to finish drives in the red zone was critical. The Gators were a perfect 4-for-4 in red zone opportunities, showing poise and precision when it mattered most.

Lagway delivered touchdown passes to Marcus Burke and Tony Livingston, while the running game punched in two more scores.

In a game where touchdowns are critical, the Gators did their job when it mattered most inside the 20-yard line.

Limiting FSU’s Offense

The Gators’ defense didn’t just force turnovers—it suffocated the Seminoles’ attack entirely. FSU managed just 239 total yards, including only 140 passing yards and 99 rushing yards.

The Seminoles’ longest play of the night was just 20 yards, a testament to Florida’s disciplined coverage and tackling. By bottling up the run and preventing big passing plays, the Gators neutralized FSU’s ability to sustain drives, holding them to a dismal 3.3 yards per play.

What’s next for Florida?

That is the end of the regular-season schedule for the Orange and Blue. Now the Gator Nation waits with bated breath to hear which bowl game their beloved football team will play in this December. Stay tuned to this website for more information.

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Three instant takeaways from Florida’s blowout win over FSU

It wasn’t the most efficient night for Florida’s offense, but a stout defensive performance led the Gators to an easy victory of Florida State.

Florida capped off its regular season with a third-straight win Saturday night, a 31-11 victory over the Florida State Seminoles that was never truly in doubt.

If there was a game that Florida could afford to be sloppy in this season, it was this one. [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] started off the game slow and his receivers didn’t help him out too much, either. Fortunately, the running backs came up big, combining for 223 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries. It’s only the second time this year that Florida has gone over 200 yards rushing, with Montrell Johnson Jr. battling injuries for much of the year.

The defense also continued its dominant run through November by bulldozing through Florida State’s offensive line and getting to the quarterback eight times. The Seminoles fumbled seven times and never had a shot with that kind of turnover margin.

PLANT THE FLAG!

Fumblerooski

Okay, the fumblerooski is a trick play and FSU certainly did not have many tricks in their bag against Florida, but it’s fun to say and the Gators forced eight fumbles on the night, recovering five.

Florida’s defensive front started off the year rough, but that unit has been the key over the past month. Creating pressure against a true freshman quarterback who likes to take off is a tried and true recipe for manifesting havoc, and that’s exactly what happened Saturday night.

Eight sacks, 14 tackles for loss and just one touchdown allowed. What a night for the defense.

Shout out to long snapper [autotag]Rocco Underwood[/autotag] for getting downfield and recovering a muffed punt on special teams, too.

Lagway a bit off, RBs clean up

This was not DJ Lagway’s best game, but the Gators didn’t need it to be to get the win. Getting [autotag]Montrell Johnson Jr[/autotag]. back has been huge, and both [autotag]Jadan Baugh[/autotag] and [autotag]Ja’Kobi Jackson[/autotag] are still doing just fine.

It’s only right for the guy who came over with Billy Napier and returned for his senior year despite being a draft prospect to get the lion’s share of important carries, and Johnson made the most of his 10 against Florida State with 99 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown to put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter.

In fact, Johnson ran so well that Napier could afford to spread the love and get Baugh and Jackson 10 or more carries. Baugh ran it enough late to creep up to 81 yards and led the room with 11 carries. All three rushers finished the night with more than five yards per carry — Johnson at 9.9, Baugh at 7.4 and Jackson at 5.1.

The running backs room in Gainesville is loaded with talent, and everyone but Johnson will be back next season.

Not the best night for Florida receivers

Florida’s passing attack suffered throughout the game, but it’s not all on the quarterback. Yes, Lagway was a bit off, but the bulk of the incompletions tonight can be put on the receivers. Several players dropped balls that hit their hands, and that can’t happen in a rivalry game.

Lagway’s lone interception is a result of a miscommunication by the receivers, too. Veteran guys like [autotag]Elijhah Badger[/autotag], [autotag]Chimere Dike[/autotag] and even Marcus Burke are supposed to make things easier for a true freshman, but Lagway didn’t get much help from them.

Badger and Dike get a pass because they’ve been solid for most of the season, though. It was just a rough night for that group.

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Instant takeaways from Florida’s massive upset win over No. 9 OIe Miss

All aboard the Lane Train… right out of Gainesville. This is Billy Napier’s town, and his Gators delivered a massive upset against Ole Miss Saturday to prove it.

For a second consecutive week, the Florida Gators have upset a ranked opponent in The Swamp. The Orange and Blue took down the No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels, 24-17, to improve their record to 6-5 and secure bowl eligibility.

[autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] didn’t need to be the hero, but he still made some incredible throws, including two touchdown passes. The winning score came with senior running back [autotag]Montrell Johnson Jr[/autotag]. under center, though. Johnson lined up in the wildcat formation, faked a handoff and ran nine yards to his right into the endzone.

The remaining 7 minutes and 40 seconds of the contest was thrilling and proved that a depleted Gators secondary was still enough to stop one of the top quarterbacks in the country. Ole Miss signal-caller Jaxson Dart threw two interceptions — both secured by safety Bryce Thornton — to squash the Rebels’ chances to make the College Football Playoff.

The victory is, without a doubt, the best win of the [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] era and perhaps the best win since Kyle Trask was leading the glory year under Dan Mullen.

Florida is back!

The Billy Napier era has been filled with disappointment and uneasiness, but no longer is the future dim for the Florida Gators. The emergence of [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] and the miraculous improvement of the defensive, at various levels, over the course of the season provides a path for Napier to not only stay on board for another season but perhaps thrive in Gainesville.

Lagway is a Heisman candidate moving forward, and he hasn’t even played with a fully healthy Eugene Wilson III. Replacing veteran receivers like [autotag]Elijhah Badger[/autotag] and [autotag]Chimere Dike[/autotag] won’t be easy, but there’s going to be a lot of interest from the big names in the transfer portal.

On defense, Gerald Chatman has transformed the line. [autotag]Caleb Banks[/autotag] looks like a future high-round pick, [autotag]Tyreak Sapp[/autotag] is dominating on the edge and [autotag]Cam Jackson[/autotag] is the anchor up front that Florida has needed all year. The pressure created, especially once Ole Miss center Reece McIntyre went down, forced Dart to make mistakes and an underestimated Gators secondary came up big in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter.

It’s hard not to be excited about what this team can do moving forward, and the dark cloud that’s hung over The Swamp for the past three years seems to be finally fading.

Great day for the RBs

Coming into this matchup, Ole Miss had the second-best run defense in the country. The Rebels allowed just 79.9 rushing yards per game and held opposing running backs to just 2.23 yards per carry.

Napier and his staff didn’t care about any of those numbers, though. The game plan was to run the ball early and often, and it worked like a charm. Florida’s three-headed monster in the backfield totaled a combined 174 yards on 39 carries, averaging 4.46 yards per carry — double the season average allowed by Ole Miss.

Johnson was the primary back in this one, rushing for 107 yards and the wildcat touchdown on 18 attempts, but Baugh flashed his talents with 46 yards on 13 rushes. [autotag]Ja’Kobi Jackson[/autotag], Florida’s JUCO gem, added 21 yards on eight carries.

Baugh and Jackson will be back next year to lead Florida’s running backs room, and Johnson will likely turn to pro now that he’s out of eligibility.

It’s been an injury-riddled year for Johnson, who had minor knee surgery during the preseason and missed a few games as the quarterback transition from Graham Mertz to Lagway took place, but he came back at the perfect time. Florida doesn’t win this game without him.

‘Next man up’ mentality prevails

Florida has dealt with a number of injuries this season and came into this game down its top three cornerbacks, a starting linebacker and safety. But that doesn’t matter when the entire team is repeating the line “next man up” at every opportunity in front of the media.

Banks is the breakout star over the last two weeks. He looks like an NFL-ready defensive lineman at times and racked up 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss against Ole Miss. Sapp is the heart and soul of the front seven, and [autotag]Shemar James[/autotag] is another leader at the second level of the defense.

Thornton’s two interceptions were the most timely turnovers of the year for Florida, and the secondary has been held together by Trikweze Bridges’ position versatility as he moves from safety to cornerback.

[autotag]Sharif Denson[/autotag] deserves praise for delivering hit after hit, many of which came against runners in the open field, and [autotag]Jordan Castell[/autotag] is finally playing like he did during his freshman year — talk about a big hit to start the game.

This defense could have folded weeks, if not months, ago, but they didn’t. Austin Armstrong, Napier and Ron Roberts all deserve praise for keeping these guys focused through a tremendous amount of adversity throughout the season.

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Final injury report for Florida football vs. LSU Week 12

Taking a look at who’s available for the Gators vs. LSU in Week 12.

Florida football’s matchup with the LSU Tigers is just minutes away and here’s everything you need to know about who’s available for the Gators in Week 12.

Of course, the major storyline coming into the week was whether or not freshman quarterback DJ Lagway would be ready to go after suffering a left hamstring injury a couple of weeks ago.

Well, we got our answer after head coach Billy Napier announced on Thursday that Lagway will be back and starting at quarterback.

Another key player who got taken off the availability report and will play this afternoon is receiver Elijhah Badger. Badger was listed as “questionable” at the start of the week but was taken off the availability report a couple of days ago.

Linebacker Grayson Howard was listed as “out” on Tuesday, so the Gators will need to have guys step up in that position.

Right guard Damieon George Jr. was listed as “questionable” throughout the week but was taken off the injury report pregame. George was out last week for the Gators but is good to go today.

Running back Montrell Johnson Jr. had missed the past several games for Florida due to a knee injury. Johnson was listed as a “game time decision” pregame and after going through warmups, he will be available to play this afternoon.

You can view the full SEC availability report here.

How to watch Florida-LSU

The Gators host the Tigers in college football’s Week 12 on Saturday, Nov. 16. The SEC matchup will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ABC.

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Florida’s initial SEC Availability Report ahead of LSU matchup

Here’s a look at who’s questionable and who won’t play for the Gators vs. LSU in Week 12.

The initial SEC availability report for Florida football’s matchup with the LSU Tigers was released on Wednesday night, and the list of injuries is lengthy for the Gators.

The Gators, who are aiming to bounce back and keep bowl eligibility hopes alive, face significant questions regarding the availability of several key players.

Quarterback DJ Lagway is currently listed as “questionable” for this weekend’s game. The freshman missed last week’s game against Texas due to a left hamstring injury but head coach Billy Napier is optimistic regarding Lagway’s progress.

“He’s (Lagway) been able to practice,” Napier said during Wednesday’s press conference. “He’s getting closer and closer to getting prepared to play.”

Another player listed as “questionable” is running back Montrell Johnson Jr. who has been dealing with a lower-body injury that has kept him out of action for several weeks. Napier labeled the senior as “day-to-day”.

Others listed as “questionable” are receiver Elijhah Badger and offensive lineman Damieon George Jr. 

Flipping to defense, a key player that the Gators will be without against the Tigers on Saturday is linebacker Grayson Howard. Howard has been officially ruled “out” for this weekend’s contest and with his injury, it will certainly test the depth of the linebacker position for Florida.

You can view the full SEC availability report here.

Up next for the Gators

The Gators host the Tigers in college football’s Week 12 on Saturday, Nov. 16. The SEC matchup will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ABC.

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Takeaways from Billy Napier’s midweek press conference ahead of LSU game

Gators head coach Billy Napier gives an update on DJ Lagway and others in his midweek press conference.

During his midweek press conference on Wednesday evening, Florida football head coach Billy Napier addressed several key points ahead of their Week 12 matchup against the LSU Tigers.

Napier emphasized the importance of “talent not being enough” and outlined how consistency, discipline and commitment are key for the Gators to succeed.

Florida’s skipper also addressed questions about players’ injury statuses, bowl eligibility goals and improving defensive fundamentals as he sets a clear expectation for his team to compete at a higher level this weekend.

Napier stressed that these attributes, combined with physical talent, would elevate their performance.

Here are the key takeaways from Napier’s press conference on Wednesday night.

On the impact of becoming bowl eligible

“Well, I think you’re always thinking big picture, but it’s important, like it’s a big picture, but it’s a little process, right? So one of the terms I’ve been using all week from the very beginning of the week, is work as if you’re on a one day contract, and maybe you get to call the night to come back. Maybe you don’t, you know.

“So, if we prepare and train and practice and have the self discipline, as if we were always being observed and we were on a one day contract, and if we do our job well enough and at a high level, you get the call to come back.

“And, you know, let’s focus, be present. Let’s focus on the work and the task at hand. And then, hey, we’ll take a deep breath, eat a good meal, get a good night’s rest. We’ll get the call to come back and come back tomorrow. So we’re completely 100% focused on LSU, nothing else matters. And you know, we just did Wednesday.

“Hopefully we’ll get a callback tonight, and we’re going to show up tomorrow and do Thursday.”

Update on DJ Lagway

“He’s (Lagway) been being able to practice. Obviously he’s modified a little bit, but he’s making progress every day, he is getting closer and closer to being prepared to play. So I do think we are creating a game day environment in terms of the treatment and modifications we’re using, you know, just to make sure he’s comfortable with that.

“So he did work today, and obviously, I think he makes progress. Felt better today than he felt yesterday. We’re hopeful that’ll be the case tomorrow.”

Hoping to play much better than their last game

“What happened this weekend is not acceptable. It’s not good enough, and we certainly know we’re capable of playing better. And look, we’re trying to control the things that we can control.

“You know, our communication, our alignment, our fundamentals and techniques, playing with the right leveraging coverage, our effort and pursuit, and then ultimately playing really good situation in football and making good decisions.

“So we didn’t do much well at all on Saturday. We got to do a lot better this weekend.”

If there’s been a drop off with LSU position players

“No, they’re still loaded. I mean, I think they’ve got, not only the players that are returning, but a couple transfers (from) Alabama, Mississippi State, not to mention (Kyren) Lacy and (Chris) Hilton.

“I mean, the tight end’s (Mason Taylor) one of the better tight ends in the country, but certainly the backs, the freshman back (Caden Durham) has elite track speed, so the combination of skill with the veteran quarterback (Garrett Nussmeier), although he hasn’t been a starter before, he’s played a lot of football, and he’s been around there for a while.”

Update on Montrell Johnson Jr.

“He’s (Johnson) been able to do more this week than he did last week. So, you know, I think he’s day-to-day and I think ultimately, that’s a position where you have a lower-body injury, you got to be 100 percent right to be as effective as you want to be.

“And certainly for him, this one’s personal to him, because he’s from Louisiana, so he’s motivated. He’s practiced. Is he 100%? We’ll see. But we’re going to do what we’ve done in the past. We’re not going to put him out here until he’s ready.”

On the team’s mindset last week vs. Texas

“I think we had a parachute, you know, we went to battle with a parachute on our back, and then as soon as things didn’t go our way, we pulled the parachute. And it was disappointing. And I think we’ve got to challenge the maturity of our team, the consistency of our team.

“We have to be mature enough as competitors and to embrace that and play better. So I think it’s more mindset than anything in my opinion.”

Up next for the Gators

The Gators host the Tigers in college football’s Week 12 on Saturday, Nov. 16. The SEC matchup will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ABC.

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Florida’s initial SEC Availability Report ahead of Week 11 Texas matchup

Ten members of the Orange and Blue are listed as “out” while six are mentioned as “questionable”, including DJ Lagway in the latter category.

The initial SEC availability report for the Florida Gators ahead of their Southeastern Conference matchup at the Texas Longhorns is out and Billy Napier’s squad has 16 players mentioned.

Of those mentioned on the injured list for Week 11, 10 are listed as “out” while six are mentioned as “questionable”. Among those listed as unavailable is quarterback [autotag]Graham Mertz[/autotag], who suffered a season-ending injury against the Tennessee Volunteers in Week 7.

Also out for the rest of the fall is defensive back [autotag]Jason Marshall Jr[/autotag]., whose injured labrum required surgery that effectively ended his 2024 campaign, and wide receiver Euegene Wilson III, who underwent surgery to repair his injured hip on Tuesday.

Running back [autotag]Treyaun Webb[/autotag], who also underwent surgery this week, and while it has not yet been determined if his season is over, remains among those listed as “out”.

Florida’s current starting quarterback [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] is listed as “questionable” along with running back [autotag]Montrell Johnson Jr[/autotag]., wide receiver Elijhah Badger, defensive back Dijon Johnson, offensive lineman Damieon George Jr. and defensive lineman Cam Jackson.

The rest of the “out” list mirrors that from last week.

How to watch Florida-Texas

Florida will go on the road and face Texas in Austin on Saturday, Nov. 9. Kickoff is set for noon ET and will be broadcast on ABC.

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Two changes in Florida’s updated availability report ahead of UGA game

The Gators update their availability report, with one player added to the “out” column while another returns from being questionable.

One day remains before Florida football takes the field against the Georgia Bulldogs inside EverBank Stadium for the annual World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party in Jacksonville. Ahead of the Southeastern Conference matchup, the Gators made a couple of changes to their SEC availability report.

Ten members of the Orange and Blue are now listed as “out” for college football’s Week 10 matchup, with two others listed as “questionable”. Running back [autotag]Treyaun Webb[/autotag] was added to the report after being ruled out for this weekend’s gridiron battle while linebacker [autotag]R.J. Moten[/autotag] was removed from the questionable list and will be available to play.

Among those unavailable this Saturday is quarterback Graham Mertz, who suffered a season-ending injury against the Tennessee Volunteers in Week 7. Also out for the rest of the fall is defensive back Jason Marshall Jr., whose injured labrum will require surgery that effectively ends his 2024 campaign.

Defensive lineman Jamari Lyons and wide receiver Kahleil Jackson are also out with season-ending injuries. Joining them on the sidelines this week are wide receiver Eugene Wilson III and defensive back Asa Turner, as well as offensive linemen Devon Manuel and Roderick Kearney.

Running back [autotag]Montrell Johnson Jr[/autotag]. and offensive lineman Damien George are the two players listed as “questionable”.

How to watch Florida-Georgia

Florida and Georgia face off for a Week 10 rivalry battle in Jacksonville on Saturday, Nov. 2 with kickoff slated for 3:30 p.m. ET. The pregame festivities will be featured on SEC Nation and the game will be broadcast on ABC.

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Billy Napier praises Jabbar Juluke’s impact on Florida’s football RBs

Gators head coach Billy Napier gave praise to Jabbar Juluke and the Florida football running backs during the SEC teleconference.

During Wednesday’s SEC teleconference, Florida football head coach Billy Napier talked about using this week’s bye as a time for improvement and getting players healthy.

However, the Gators head coach also highlighted the team’s running backs, particularly praising running backs coach Jabbar Juluke for the outstanding job he has done with the group.

“Well, Jabbar (Juluke), I think number one, Jabbar, was a high school coach, you know, and I think he has a unique, sincere care for players,” Napier said. “He does a great job mentoring the players, and runs a tight ship, you know. He does a nice job really modeling what you would want from the players, and then he holds them very accountable.”

Napier continued, “I never have to worry about the running backs, I mean, that group is always toeing the line, and they do it off the field, and they have great practice habits.”

As well as serving as the team’s running backs coach, Juluke is also the associate head coach and is currently in his third season with the Gators.

Napier and Juluke coached together at Louisiana from 2018-2021 before coming to Gainesville with Napier.

“He (Juluke) does a good job teaching, and he has got a framework for success,” Napier said. “I mean, I think obviously at Louisiana, we had three NFL backs. We were very productive there with the other players that we had, Chris Smith, Emani Bailey, not to mention the three NFL players, Trey Ragas, Elijah Mitchell, Raymond Calais.”

“And then we come here, we bring Montrell (Johnson) with us, obviously. And then Trevor Etienne, as a rookie, played well for us.”

Napier went on to praise Florida’s running backs room this season.

“And then these guys are the next, next generation, you know,” Napier said. “I think Jadan (Baugh) obviously stepped up for our team in a major way. And there’s a culture in that room. And I think you take guys like Montrell Johnson, they’re good examples to guys like Jadan Baugh who obviously has some ability.

“We got good solid play from Ja’Kobi (Jackson) as well. And we’re excited about potentially KD Daniels. KD, he’s starting to become, he’s getting healthier, I would say.”

Napier stressed the importance of maintaining player health and noted that several guys are nearing a return.

“So it’s a good room, you know, we got to keep them healthy,” Napier mentioned. “And obviously, Treyaun Webb is on that list as well, and he’s obviously closer to being available for the game. So (I) feel good about getting healthy over the next couple weeks with that group.”

Coming up for Florida

The Gators are off next week due to their bye week. The next matchup for Florida will be against the Georgia Bulldogs on Nov. 2 in Jacksonville. That game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET and can be seen on ABC.

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