Here's who signed with Florida Gators during early signing period in 2021

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — For Billy Napier, patience is a virtue when it comes to recruiting.

At his introductory news conference earlier this month, Florida's new head coach vowed to be "very patient."

"I know everybody wants the pedal to the medal here and go 100 mph," Napier said. "But it's the most important thing we do."

That seems to be the message to Florida fans after a slow start Wednesday on the first day of the early signing period.

The Gators inked just six recruits as of Wednesday afternoon.

But by Wednesday night the Gators got three more players, including the No. 1 safety in the class of 2022.

Napier, who comes to Florida after four seasons at Louisiana, slowly built the Ragin' Cajuns roster, going from 105th nationally and fifth in the Sun Belt Conference in 2018 to 69th nationally and first in the Sun Belt this past season.

Brad McClenny/AP

The result was an overall record of 40-12, including back-to-back Sun Belt championships in his final two seasons.

Recruiting was an issue under Napier's predecessor, Dan Mullen, who was fired after the Gators lost five of their final seven games (Mullen wasn't around for Florida's 24-21 victory over rival Florida State to become bowl-eligible) of the 2021 season.

Three of Florida's nine recruits — tight end Tony Livingston, defensive tackle Jamari Lyons, cornerback Devin Moore and five-star safety Kamari Wilson — are from Florida.

Wilson transferred from Fort Pierce Westwood Academy to the IMG Academy in 2020.