In his first media availability since losing his head Coach, Myles Graham gave Florida fans some more encouragement when he echoed DJ Lagway in saying he’s a Gator and not going anywhere.
Graham was recruited by Napier as part of the 2024 recruiting class out of Bucholz High School. As a Napier recruit, he described Sunday’s announcement and team meetings as very emotional.
“It was very emotional. Coach Napier is a great man, a great coach, and it was hard to see him go, but we have to keep moving forward like he said, he wants us to finish.”
Myles Graham supports Billy Napier
He described Napier teaching him and the team the importance of attention to detail, staying focused, and having an attention to urgency. He showed them how to tune out the negatives and push through adversity.
Graham took to X to thank Napier after he was let go. He said he did so as a way to give back to Coach Napier what he gave to him. “He’s great dude and I learned a lot of lessons from him,” said Graham.
But now, the team must move forward. “Moving forward, it’s how the team responds to this adversity,” said Graham. “Responding to adversity is what we’re going to do and we’re going to come out stronger.”
Graham confided in his father, Earnest Graham, on Sunday after they were informed of Coach Napier’s departure. His dad had undergone a coaching change during one of his seasons at the University of Florida as well. (Myles) Graham said his dad told him that coaching changes aren’t easy, but it’s about staying focused, disciplined, and controlling what you can control, and that’s exactly what he plans to do.
As the leaders of the team, Jake Slaughter, DJ Lagway, and Graham have made it their mission to focus on rallying the team for the last five games and making the most of what’s left. He talked about how keeping the guys all together and not splintering means the world to him.
“I’m living out my dream, despite the circumstances. I’m doing what I prayed for. I’m extremely excited to keep fighting with my guys. I get 5 more opportunities to play the game I love with my brothers, that means the world to me. We have a championship caliber roster. Keeping the guys together is important.”
Graham said players are responding well right now and that they are being cared for by the veterans. He described this as an opportunity for the leaders of the team to do just that, to lead, to care for, and to keep the team together.
Moving forward, the players are excited to play for interim coach Billy Gonzales. Graham said he’s the kind of coach who brings a lot of energy, is a leader, has a room of players who play with tenacity, and the team is excited to play for him.
Graham is in his sophomore year at the University of Florida, and he said that beyond this year, he isn’t going anywhere.
“I’m a Gator,” exclaimed Graham. “I’m looking forward to rallying these guys.” He stated that though he was recruited by Napier, ultimately, he plays for the logo. It’s about playing for the logo, blocking out the noise, and honoring the name on your back.
“I came to play for Coach Napier,” he said, but “more importantly, I came to play for this logo,” said Graham.
The trio of Slaughter, Lagway, and Graham have banded together, and moving forward, It is their mission to make sure this Gator team comes together and turns things around. It’s time for them to face adversity head on prior to one of, if not the biggest games on the schedule in Florida vs Georgia November 1.