Since Billy Napier’s arrival at Florida, a lot has changed. Just look at the support staff, specifically as it pertains to recruiting. Napier’s staff has overhauled the entire program to fit the image they desire.
Last week, starting quarterback Emory Jones told Yahoo! Sports that he would be transferring from the program, leaving a hole at the most important position on the field. Many expect that Anthony Richardson will fill the void, but he has been often injured, practically forcing Napier to look for more depth.
One prospect that has been in touch with the Florida staff: two-star (per 247Sports) Roswell, GA native Robbie Roper. Roper is considered a fast riser late in the 2022 cycle.
Roper told ChompTalk.com that he has received four offers (Massachusetts, Western Carolina, Morehead State, Morgan State) but has received interest from a number of schools including Ole Miss, Michigan, North Carolina, UConn, and more recently, Florida.
Since arriving at Florida, offensive analyst Ryan O’Hara has been in touch with Roper. He is expecting to talk with Napier this weekend.
O’Hara has told Roper that he likes what he’s seen on film and has requested to see certain throws and footwork from the QB.
As far as being underrated, Roper stated, “I think this was a ‘prove it’ year, not just for me, but for my team…[it] really made us all work harder, like we had nothing to lose every game.”
The 6’4 215 lb signal caller went out and proved it in Georgia’s highest level of competition, 7A. Roper threw for 3,010 yards and 37 touchdowns while gaining 465 yards and five scores on the ground. He was named the Region 5 – 7A, Offensive Player of the Year by the GHSA for his efforts.
Additionally, Roper led his team to a 10-3 season, but fell to Grayson 24-14 in the state quarterfinals last month. In order to get there, Roswell upset the nation’s No. 7 ranked team (No. 1 in Georgia), North Cobb 46-43 on Roper’s last second scamper into the end zone.
GREAT TEAM WIN OVER #1 TEAM IN GEORGIA. 7A FOOTBALL IS THE TOUGHEST IN COUNTRY. GO HORNETS. I LOVE THIS TEAM!!! 🏈 #COACHMIL @BALLERSCHOICE1 @EnloeClemons @SWiltfong247 @JeremyO_Johnson @rvfc10 @lukewinstel @samspiegs @ErikRichardsUSA @MattDeBary @jeffsentell pic.twitter.com/mEZX5bchbp
— Robbie Roper 6’4 215lb Dual Threat QB / GPA 3.9 (@robbieroper2022) November 20, 2021
Roper is looking forward to taking visits in January before the February signing period. He expects to visit Ole Miss and UConn in addition to Florida.
Roper stated that he loves the Florida program as a whole and that Napier and O’Hara will turn things around quickly.
You can check out Robbie Roper’s film here and follow him on Twitter here.
Follow @ChompTalkBrian and @ChompTalk for the latest on the Florida Gators.
*All statistics listed are courtesy of MaxPreps.com.