Florida Football Spring Practice: “Developing the Mortar”

Florida Gators football spring camp continued Thursday.

The media got another look at about 13 minutes of the practice. Here’ what was observed:

What We Saw

Head coach Billy Napier has kept a tight ship at spring practice since he took over the team. The media doesn’t get much of a look and only gets to see individual position group periods. Consequently, many of the practice view periods are inconsequential. That was the case on Thursday.

DJ Lagway is still limited, Dallas Wilson and J. Michael Sturdivant continue to impress and the young guys are still improving.

.@DerekLagway getting really good at handoffs and pump fakes this offseason.#Gators pic.twitter.com/BHnIbsF5aP

— Nick Abreu (@NickAbreu13) March 13, 2025

Not really much new, but one thing to note was that the tight end group was focused on blocking.

The new tight ends, specifically, were going through blocking drills during the viewing period. Air force transfer Caleb Rillos along with freshmen Cameron Kossman and Micah Jones participated while Hayden Hansen worked on his hands with Tony Livingston off to the side. Jones looked to be pretty winded by the end of it and Rillos used his experience to be an example to the younger guys on the line.

New tight ends in blocking drills. Air Force transfer @CalebRillos the example for the freshmen @MicahJones23 and @CameronKossmann#Gators pic.twitter.com/Fvgitu5BrF

— Nick Abreu (@NickAbreu13) March 13, 2025

The run game should be a big part of the offensive game plan this year with the depth in the running back room. The tight ends will play a large part as the sixth blocker on the line if that is the case.

The only notable player I noticed not available in Thursday’s practice was defensive lineman D’Antre Robinson. Robinson is expected to be a regular on the interior of the defensive line this season.

What They Said

Billy Napier spoke to the media after practice Thursday and emphasized that it’s not only about the bricks, but also the mortar. He said this spring they’re building that mortar. It’s about getting the guys in the right mindset and getting them prepared in the aspects that might not include the football.

When asked about Lagway’s recovery, he continued with the idea that the tam will take it slow, but is trying to keep him in the fold during that time. He said Lagway still communicates with the players and sometimes calls the plays.

Napier also praised the young core for showing up in the face of injuries this spring. He explicitly shouted out edge Jayden Woods.

“He [Woods] has the DNA to play early,” he said.

Wide receiver Eugene Wilson III also went up to the podium for the first time since his injury last season. He said his recovery went smoothly and he’s happy to be back. He assured the media he’s feeling good about the previously injured hip even though he’s still playing in a black non-contact jersey.

Now in his third year with the program, Wilson III is one of the older receivers on the team. With that comes an inherent leadership role.

“It’s a blessing,” he said. “It’s easy with them [the freshmen receivers] because they kind of came in with the work ethic.”

Wilson III should have a major impact in the offense in 2025.