Florida Gators running backs embracing the four-headed monster

The Florida Gators have four different running backs on their roster that almost any team in the country would love to have right now. To this point, it has been a relatively even playing field between them as they battle for carries. It’s looking like the Gators are going to continue to go with the four-headed monster as long as it’s working.

It’s going to have to work this weekend as Florida heads to the hostile environment of Tennessee with a new starting quarterback. No matter which team comes away with the win, this game is likely going to be won on the ground. Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs doesn’t stand much of a chance throwing against the Gators and with Austin Appleby making his first start, Florida is going to look to the running backs to carry the load on offense.

According to sophomore running back Jordan Scarlett, the offense is confident with Appleby taking over. While he has faith in Appleby throwing the ball, he said all of the running backs are more than ready for the challenge if it comes down to them having to win the game.

No one of the running backs has gotten a significant amount of carries more than the others so far this season. The total carries have pretty much been split right down the middle between the four guys. Splitting carries between four different people would be a tough situation for a lot of guys, especially when all of them have grown up being the premier player in their offenses. It’s taken some getting used to, but they have completely embraced the situation.

“Coach Mac always preaches how we’ve gotta be team players, don’t be for yourself,” said Scarlett. “Doing that, you’re forced to be a team player and take advantage of every opportunity that you get.”

Jim McElwain said on Monday that the Gators have a set running back rotation for the first three quarters and go back and re-evaluate before setting a rotation for the fourth quarter. Besides building character and competition between the four guys, the rotation is saving leg strength so Florida can have fresh legs on the field throughout the game. The four running backs are averaging 5.9 yards per carry in the fourth quarter in three games this season.

“You don’t feel as banged up after the games and throughout practice,” Scarlett said. “So I think it’s a good thing for us to have this four-back rotation.”

The most impressive thing about this group is no matter if Scarlett, Jordan Cronkrite, Mark Thompson, or Lamical Perine is in the game, there is no noticeable drop off between them. They possess similar skill sets, but at the same time each of them bring something unique to the table that makes them valuable to the rotation.

As the Gators head into their biggest game of the season so far, a heavy weight lies on the shoulders of the running back rotation. If they can keep the defense fresh by pounding away at Tennessee throughout the game, Florida will be in good shape to win this one.

Bailiegh Carlton
A lifelong sports fan, Bailiegh Carlton knew from a young age that she wanted to work in sports in some capacity. Before transferring to the University of Florida to study journalism, she played softball at Gulf Coast State College. She then interned for Gator Country for three years as she worked toward her degree. After graduation, Bailiegh decided to explore other opportunities in the world of sports, but all roads led her right back here. In her time away, she and her husband welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. When she isn't working, she can almost always be found snuggled up with sweet baby Ridley, Cody and her four fur babies.