Chris Doering has used a similar version of this chorus throughout the offseason, especially when Florida fans got increasingly impatient with Billy Napier’s recruiting. Now the SEC Network analyst has cautioned Gator fans to take a step back from their lofty expectations.

Doering was a guest with Alyssa Lang on “The Paul Finebaum Show” on the SEC Network on Monday and reflected on visiting the new training center at Florida, and the trajectory of the program.

“He’s got a great plan that he’s already showing is paying dividends on the recruiting trail,” Doering said. “I think Florida fans have to be a little more realistic, too, and understand the program’s not in the best shape right now, it’s going to take some time, gotta remain patient, which is not a great quality of college football fans in general, or specifically Florida football fans.”

Doering then recalled a story from being at Alabama’s Pro Day in the spring, and he said 2 different people there told him unsolicited that Napier is the right guy.

“When Alabama people are telling you that you’ve got the right guy, you know there’s some credibility behind that,” Doering said. “I think as a Florida guy, I’m excited about where this program is headed and I think this conference is better when teams like Florida and Tennessee are amongst the best in the conference. And I’m looking for a little balance. Time to get the East back to being somewhat more competitive than they are right now.”