‘Every college football coach would tell you they’re frustrated’ with NIL, says Billy Napier
First-year Florida football head coach Billy Napier was frustrated with the current state of college football recruiting in the name, image and likeness era after the fallout following prized quarterback recruit Jaden Rashada request to opt out of his national letter of intent at the University of Florida. The Gators’ skipper spoke with Gator Sports’ Kevin Brockway on Wednesday on the topic but did not get too deep into the specifics.
“Every college football coach would tell you they’re frustrated,” Napier said. “We’re living in a fluid dynamic. There’s a lot of good things about NIL, but I think the combination of the NIL and the portal creates a dynamic you have the bad things about the NFL but none of the good things.
“We’re all aware of the issues and the parameters we’re competing in at this point. I think as time goes the market will settle down.”
NCAA rules prohibit college coaches from being involved in NIL deals which limits the amount of information Napier is able to disclose to the press.
“I wish we could get into specifics, but we’re not allowed to,” Napier said. “The reality is the current structure of NIL with third parties being involved, with agents being involved, with marketing representatives, with lawyers, with collectives, very fluid and I think a very unique dynamic.
“We’re living in a time in college athletics that we’ll look back upon. I think ultimately NIL is a strength for the Gators. We’re very pleased with where we’re at relative to our current players, all the athletes and what we’ve been able to accomplish in a short amount of time.”
Of course, Florida’s head coach harbors no ill will toward the young prospect, even after all of the drama.
“I still have the utmost respect for him and his family,” Napier said.
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