Florida had to implement a special teams 'launch pad' to avoid procedural penalties in 2024

Coach Billy Napier and the Gators are trying something new to avoid the special teams issues that plagued them last fall.

If you watched any Florida football at all in 2023, you likely witnessed at least one procedural penalty.

It was an issue that plagued the team throughout the year and played a role in its collapse down the stretch after a 5-2 start turned into a 5-7 finish. Those problems were arguably the most pronounced on special teams, where the Gators had a recurring issue with having multiple players on the field with the same jersey number.

Head coach Billy Napier and new special teams assistant Joe Houston, who comes from the NFL’s New England Patriots, have made a change to hopefully eliminate that issue.

The team recently revealed that it would be using a special teams “launchpad” featuring 10 circles and a spot for the specialist to allow the staff to make sure the right personnel is in place before going onto the field.

We got our first look at the launchpad during Florida’s fall camp, courtesy of On3’s Nick de la Torre.

Hello, special teams mat. pic.twitter.com/VKRJHVvFKi

— Nick de la Torre (@delatorre) August 9, 2024

Florida enters what will be a crucial Year 3 under Napier, who was brought in after building Louisiana into one of the strongest programs in the Sun Belt. So far, however, the results in Gainesville have been middling at best.

Napier’s overall record through two years sits at 11-14, and he’s widely viewed as occupying one of the sport’s hottest seats entering 2024. While the launchpad may not be the best look, rectifying the procedural issues is most important, and Florida will hope it has now found the solution.