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Billy Napier on Anthony Richardson’s performance vs. Utah: ‘He rose to the occasion’
By Crissy Froyd
Published:
There was no question that Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson had a high ceiling and he showed that well in the first game of the season.
Richardson completed 17-of-24 passes for 168 yards, adding 106 rushing yards and three scores on the ground in the 29-26 win over the No. 7-ranked Utah Utes. The quarterback previously entered the game with three over the course of his young career.
Head coach Billy Napier put his assessment of the quarterback simply.
‘He rose to the occasion. That’s what I saw,’ Napier told reporters.
Richardson’s sample size is still small, but he’s consistently shown upside and has undoubtedly impressed with his arm strength and mobility. He’s continuing to develop as a passer but things seem to be coming together for him on that front as well. And if he can become especially polished in that area, it’s easy to imagine Richardson is an early-round draft pick sooner rather than later.
He and the Gators will get back to action as they face another test against the No. 2-ranked Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday in Gainesville, Florida.
Crissy covers SEC football news for Saturday Down South.
