Florida Football Spring Practice: Scrimmage Day In The Swamp

Florida Gators football continued its spring practice schedule Tuesday, this time suiting up in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

The media got about 17 minutes to watch the practice, including a stretch and warmup period and individual positional period. The practice included a scrimmage that was unavailable to the media.

What We Saw

It was announced by head coach Billy Napier in Thursday’s pro day that defensive back Asa Turner was granted a seventh year of eligibility after his knee injury early last season kept him sidelined all year.

He was seen running in quick bursts on the sideline of Tuesday’s practice but didn’t participate. It’s still unknown what his role on the team will be for next season.

The stretching and warmup drills took up most of the time allotted to the media.

Strength and conditioning coach Tyler Miles has made a difference since his arrival in Gainesville prior to the 2023 season. He’s continually been able to get players into shape, evident in Cormani McClain‘s 20-pound muscle growth in the offseason. That attribute was on full display.

Strength and conditioning coach Tyler Miles leading drills#Gators pic.twitter.com/9A3mf7GCjo

— Nick Abreu (@NickAbreu13) April 1, 2025

Miles had the team working on push up and sit up drills like they were a military unit. Discipline is one of the biggest factors in shaping a good football team, and he has made sure the team understands its importance.

The receiving room, specifically Dallas Wilson and J. Michael Sturdivant, looked impressive as usual. Sturdivant made a nice catch on the sideline from Aidan Warner in the individual position drill period.

J. Michael Sturdivant with the nice sideline catch from Aidan Warner#Gators pic.twitter.com/x5yOTBfxJy

— Nick Abreu (@NickAbreu13) April 1, 2025

What We Heard

Napier spoke to the media after the scrimmage period.

The biggest thing he mentioned – DJ Lagway “played a little” in the team’s first scrimmage.

Lagway has been limited in practice since the start of spring camp and has yet to throw a pass, at least in media viewing periods. Even if he didn’t throw in the scrimmage, to be on the field for some reps is a small improvement.

Billy Napier on DJ Lagway

“He actually played a few plays today.”

Some improvement #Gators

— Nick Abreu (@NickAbreu13) April 1, 2025

Napier also said the scrimmage started off slow in the first quarter, but was really competitive from the second on. He praised the work on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

“If you’re not good up there, you’ve got no shot,” he said.

Napier said Aidan Mizell caught a long touchdown pass during the game. When asking Mizell about the play, he said he caught it at around midfield and took off to the endzone. His big play ability will definitely be an asset in the offense this season.

Harrison Bailey and Aidan Warner threw for most of the scrimmage period, and Napier said Warner looked especially sharp on Tuesday.

Florida Gators Football Press Conference 4-1-2025 https://t.co/132yaJ3INT

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) April 1, 2025

Up Next

The Gators will hold a press conference with quarterbacks coach Ryan O’Hara and assistant offensive line coach Jon Decoster set to speak on Wednesday.

The Orange and Blue spring game is set for April 12.