Billy Napier addresses confidence in new-look defensive line unit

Billy Napier is heading into his second season as the head coach of the Florida Gators. He has plenty of things to be amped up about despite coming off of an up-and-down year.

At the SEC Football Media Days, On3’s Andy Staples caught up with the Florida head man to discuss several storylines surrounding his program. Napier admitted that he was excited about a lot of different things about the Gators heading into 2023. Still, one of the things he’s most excited about is their new-look defensive line unit. During the interview, Napier highlighted interior defensive linemen Caleb Banks and Cam Jackson while making a bold proclamation about their level of play.

“Yeah, I mean, immediately when they walk in the room, the height (and) length is different. We’re talking 6’6 350, 6’5-3/4 320. Real athletes,” said Napier. “I think NFL players. So, not a lot of people are talking about them right now, and I’m okay with that. It’ll become pretty apparent here soon.

“No question; any good defense is going to be strong at the middle. And these guys bring presents right away to go along with some other really good pieces.”

More on Banks Jackson and Florida’s 2022 woes

Banks is the taller of the two, at six-foot-six. The sophomore played last season with the ACC Louisville Cardinals, appearing in six games for the Cardinals in 2022. In those six games, he recorded two tackles, one tackle for a loss, a sack, and a forced fumble.

As for Jackson, less than 48 hours after entering the NCAA transfer portal, in late December, he announced his decision to commit to Florida for the 2023 season. Last season he suited up for the Memphis Tigers. The redshirt junior proved he could be a disruptor in opposing team’s backfield, as Jackson recorded 41 total tackles, 19 solo, four hits on the QB, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one sack.

The Gators finished the 2022 regular season 6-6 and suffered an embarrassing loss to Oregon State in the Las Vegas Bowl. Against the Beavers, the Gators gave up 164 yards on the ground, allowing 4.2 yards per carry. That embarrassing 30-3 loss made it crystal clear that Florida needed help on the interior of their offensive line. And to help remedy that, Napier acquired Banks and Jackson from the transfer portal. With Banks and Jackson now clogging up the interior of Florida’s d-line, they won’t be overlooked too long in 2023.

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