Sports
The start of the 2023 college football season is less than 100 days away, therefore it is never too early to rank positions for the next year. Patrick Conn of College Sports Wire recently put out his running back power rankings for the upcoming Southeastern Conference schedule, which includes the Florida Gators, and has since published his list of national running back positions.
The Orange and Blue have actually had a lot of success in the offensive backfield, whether it was the three-headed monster of the early 1980s, Emmitt Smith’s career, Fred Taylor’s career-long success, or even current first-round draught pick Lamical Perine. In conclusion, Florida has historically been known as a quarterback school, but it has also produced a large number of backfield bullies.
Get Gators tickets.
Given that both of the quarterback options in Billy Napier’s second year left a lot to be desired, it is projected that the Gators will rely on the running game a little more than usual in the upcoming season.
In comparison to the rest of the nation, where are the Gators? Conn rates the running back group this fall, including presumed starter Montrell Johnson Jr., as the 16th best. Here is his support.
SEC Ranking: No. 3
Johnson produced on par with what he did while playing for Louisiana under head coach Billy Napier in 2022. The Gators have a number of backs, but Johnson will probably once again be the starting canine. He merely needs to demonstrate his ability to be a 1,000-yard back in this league. In regards to who receives the most touches in 2023, Trevor Etienne might have something to say.
The Gators play the Utah Utes on the road on August 31, with the kickoff time for the game still to be determined.