Gators’ Roster Rebuild Continues on Early Signing Day

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — In the wake of his most lopsided loss as Florida’s head coach, Billy Napier‘s demeanor late Saturday afternoon in Las Vegas wasn’t much different than it would have been if the Gators had won.

Gators fans over the past year have come to know Napier’s steadiness as one of his trademarks, the foundation on which he stands.

Napier didn’t budge from his stance while answering questions after his team’s disappointing performance in the Las Vegas Bowl or what it meant heading into the offseason.

“I see opportunity. What I’m observing in [the locker room], I think, is a positive for the Gators,” Napier said. “We’ve got to learn from these experiences. Not only the players but also all parts of our organization. Year one, there’s a lot of work that’s been done. That’s day one to right now. We’re fortunate that we get a little bit of a break here, and we’ll come right back and work harder than ever.”

Before the Gators scatter for a holiday break, they have important business to tend to on Wednesday during the Early Signing Day.

A year ago, Napier had just 10 days from his introductory press conference to the Early Signing Day in his first swing at the “talent acquisition business” as UF’s coach. The Gators signed nine players in December and rounded out the class on the traditional National Signing Day two months later.

Four players signed in Napier’s first two weeks on the job made meaningful contributions on defense: linebacker Shemar James, defensive lineman Chris McClellan, safety Kamari Wilson, and cornerback Devin Moore before his season-ending injury.

Besides true freshman running back Trevor Etienne, the Gators’ top newcomers on offense in Napier’s first season arrived via the transfer portal: running back Montrell Johnson Jr., receiver Ricky Pearsall and offensive lineman O’Cyrus Torrence. The Gators are likely to be more active in the transfer portal this year, coming off a 6-7 season and steady attrition since the end of the regular season.

Napier’s approach hasn’t changed as he attempts to rebuild a Florida program that is 12-17 in its last 29 games. It will take time and wise decisions.

“I think every decision you make from a personnel standpoint is an individual decision, each player, each staff member that you add to your team and organization,” Napier said. “We’ve got a really…