Florida Gators football: Billy Napier's checklist in Year 1

Just two seasons ago, Florida was the undisputed SEC East champion and looked like a sure thing to make its first College Football Playoff.

But the Gators' fortunes have turned decidedly downhill since then, and now the program is looking to start over under first-year head coach Billy Napier.

In Year 1, Napier faces a mandate to dramatically improve the Gators' recruiting efforts and try to close the gap between itself and rival Georgia in the East Division race.

That's a tall order when looking at the structural issues facing Florida's roster, and especially looking ahead to the Gators' schedule in 2022.

But Napier and the Gators have a real opportunity to take a big step forward this season. Scroll through to see the biggest issues Florida needs to address.

Florida Gators football: 3 things Billy Napier must do in '22

1. Pick the right quarterback

That job got a little easier after Emory Jones told the Gators he does intend to transfer after all. It looked like the quarterback would be staying on in 2022 after talking to Napier, but Jones changed his mind, according to ESPN.

Who does that leave?

Anthony Richardson

Started one game, played in eight
Threw for 529 yards, six TD, five INT
8.3 yards per pass, 7.9 yards per carry
401 rush yards, 3 TD

A native of Gainesville, Richardson had some big play flashes in reserve last year, but also had surgery on his knee late last season and couldn't play in the bowl game.

Jack Miller

Ohio State transfer
4-star recruit from Arizona
7 of 14 passing for 101 yards
6-foot-3, 215 pounds

Miller brings the least experience but potentially the biggest upside, with size, arm strength, accuracy, and quick decision-making. He won't be breaking off any 80 yard runs like Richardson, but projects as a reliable, pro-style quarterback.

2. Tighten up the secondary

There were flashes of improvement from the Gators' deep field defense a year ago. The unit held opposing quarterbacks to just over 57 percent completion and under seven air yards per attempt.

But UF also placed 10th in the SEC by allowing 11 plays of 40-plus yards and was second-to-last in the conference with nine interceptions. A lot of the group comes back, and Florida scored two notable additions: Georgia transfer Jalen Kimber and recruit Kamari Wilson, a 5-star safety and Top 30 national prospect with a reputation for physical play and who was considering Georgia.

3. Get faster at the skill positions

Speed is king in the SEC, and while the Gators lost some this offseason, they also have a promising corps of skill players to work the perimeter this fall.

Florida loses top rusher Dameon Pierce, who had 574 yards and 13 touchdowns a year ago, in addition to Malik Davis (487 yards, 5 TDs) at running back.

But keep an eye on Nay'Quan Wright, who showed flashes in a 326 yard showing last season, and former Clemson transfer Demarkcus Bowman, who brings 5-star pedigree to the position.

Montrell Johnson could be a difference-maker here, too. The running back followed Napier from Louisiana to UF after a freshman campaign in which he ran for 838 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Jacob Copeland transferred to Maryland, and Kemore Gamble left for UCF, but Penn State transfer Justin Shorter remains after catching 41 passes for 550 yards and three scores last year. Xzavier Henderson, Trent Whittemore, and Marcus Burke are low on production, but high on potential.

Florida Gators football schedule for 2022

How do things look for Florida in the SEC and College Football Playoff race this season? Let's look at the Gators schedule for the 2022 season.

April 16 Orange vs. Blue Spring Game

Week 1, Sept. 3 vs. Utah

Week 2, Sept. 10 vs. Kentucky

Week 3, Sept. 17 vs. USF

Week 4, Sept. 24 at Tennessee

Week 5, Oct. 1 vs. Eastern Washington

Week 6, Oct. 8 vs. Missouri

Week 7, Oct. 15 vs. LSU

Week 8, Oct. 22 Idle

Week 9, Oct. 29 vs. Georgia

Week 10, Nov. 5 at Texas A&M

Week 11, Nov. 12 vs. South Carolina

Week 12, Nov. 19 at Vanderbilt

Week 13, Nov. 26 at Florida State

Dec. 3 SEC Championship Game

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