Despite the loss of Trevor Etienne, the Gators RB room could be stronger in 2024

When Trevor Etienne transferred to Georgia, the consensus thought the Florida Gators would suffer in the running game. Yet despite this high-profile start, the rushing attack might actually exceed expectations.

With a potential three-headed monster in the backfield, the Gators could slow down the opposing defense, hitting them with solid play. Although few people discuss the issue, Florida could boast one of the best running back rooms in the SEC.

Montrell Johnson

When the New Orleans native left the University of Louisiana to head east, he probably didn’t know what situation he was facing in Gainesville. Despite the committee saves that save wear and prolong careers, no back likes to split carries.

Instead of complaining, Johnson got to work, making the most of his runs. Gaining 817 yards with a 5.4 average, Johnson is getting starter vibes with the burst and ability to gain positive yards. Additionally, Johnson’s cut leaves the potential leading tackler gasping for air.

Additionally, in the passing game, Johnson provides Graham Mertz with a capable target who serves as a dumping ground when other targets don’t get open. Looking at Johnson’s game logs for 2023, what jumps out? Succeed against the best teams. In four of his final games in 2023 (Georgia, Missouri, LSU and Florida State), he has totaled 344 on 57 carries. With more races, these numbers should increase.

Treyaun Webb

If Johnson runs with explosion, at 5’11 and 215 pounds, Webb brings size and slide. Additionally, the Jacksonville product carefully follows his blockers, looking for an alley or crease to squeeze into. Webb profiles as a 20-something runner who can get to the limit, making defenders pay for sloppy pursuit angles.

Like Johnson, Webb won’t be a hindrance in the passing game, providing a target who can take some pressure off the quarterback by moving the chains.

Jadan Baugh

If you heard the cheers from the spring game, someone mentioned Jadan Baugh’s name. The freshman ran for 75 yards. More importantly, the way he ran for those yards should appeal to Gators fans.

Baugh, taller than Johnson and Webb (6’1, 237), seemed quick and calm in his approach, attacking holes and showing balance. At its size, Florida could split between twenty-five and thirty-five carries between the three.

In high school, Baugh was a quarterback, running back and receiver. As a result, he should see reps throughout the game in different spots. His name already fills the air with excitement because of his potential and where people see his ceiling.

Let’s not forget the offensive line

Whether it’s an addition or an addition by subtraction, the Gators’ revamped offensive line should be an improved unit compared to its 2023 counterpart. Florida has tapped the transfer portal for help for Jason Zandamela, 247Sports’ No. 1 interior line transfer. They also added Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson and Devon Manuel, tackles from San Diego State and Arkansas, respectively.

The transfers should help immediately, but the Gators also signed five freshmen offensive linemen in the last class to build for the future, including four-star tackle Fletcher Westphal.

Preview

No one likes to live in a world of ifs. Still, Florida’s rushing offense has the skills to cause problems for its opponents. Defenses can’t rely on just one. Additionally, in the event of an injury, there are two capable backs left to continue the game plan.

If Florida wants to succeed, it will have to rely on the running game to bludgeon defenses, forcing them to crush the box. The receivers should take advantage of the space and Graham Mertz finding his former Wisconsin teammate Chimere Dike for big gains.