ORANGE PARK – Ahead of his second season as head coach of the Florida football team, Billy Napier stopped at the Thrasher-Horne Center last Monday to delight a conference room filled with orange-and-blue-clad Gators fans.

Following the press conference, fans enjoyed a gourmet, tailgate-style dinner while hearing Napier’s “state-of-the-union” style address.

Napier noted the importance of recruiting the talent-laden Northeast Florida area.

“Our emphasis is building the team inside-out,” he said. “We certainly want to start by defending our backyard, working our way out. We start our evaluation process that way. We firmly believe that it means more to a kid who grew up right in the middle of it. What I say is, ‘They (have got to) go home and put up with it whether it’s good or bad’ so I just think there’s certain motivation that comes from that.’”

After sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson declared himself eligible for the upcoming NFL Draft, Napier said the competition was heating up as the Gators prepared for the Orange and Blue Spring Game.

The scrimmage will take place at Ben-Hill Griffin Stadium on April 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Former Ohio State transfer and Florida returner Jack Miller, Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz and redshirt freshman Max Brown have been taking turns running the offense to determine who will lead the offense for the team’s regular season opener at Utah on Aug. 31.

Napier was asked about the prospects of 6-foot-4, 300-pound, four-star offensive tackle Roderick Kearney of Orange Park.

“Rod is one of my favorite players,” the coach said. “Rod is a leader. (He) is passionate about the game. He’s playing center, which is a new position for him, but he’s off to a good start. Really, you talk about learning a new system and how to play a new position and all of the communication that comes with that.

“Rod is a lot of fun to be around, and he’s got a lot of personality. He’s going to be a future leader on our team. He’s strong, plays with great effort, and always brings a great attitude. He’s gaining valuable experience. His phenomenal family, (you)_ can’t compliment them enough. Just getting to know them throughout the recruitment process. They’ve got strong values, and know who they are. They’ve got a fantastic son, and he’s going to represent the Gators the right way,” Napier said.