The Florida Gators bolstered their already dangerous backfield this offseason after adding Tulane running back transfer Cam Carroll through the portal. The Flowood, Mississippi native totaled 1,638 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns in his five seasons with the Green Wave. Carroll’s most notable season came in 2020, where the 6-0, 231 pound back ran for 741 yards and 12 touchdowns on 6.1 yards per carry.
“For me entering the portal it was a well-thought-out decision,” Carroll said. “Once I entered, Coach Juluke reached out to me. I sent him my transcript. I talked to Coach Napier, and it felt like home.”
Not many players with one year of eligibility remaining and the collegiate production Carroll possesses would be willing to join a backfield that returns two backs that combined for over 1,500 rushing yards in 2022. However, Carroll embraced the opportunity to learn from Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne.
“Being able to be in a room like Trevor and Montrell it obviously would scare a lot of people,” Carroll said. “But me personally I took it as an opportunity to not only learn from them but also grow.”
Carroll knew the uphill battle for playing time would be tough in a loaded backfield in the SEC.
“It was presented to me that I would potentially be a third back, but it’s not just going to be given to me. I have to come in and work. I have to put in the time and effort. It’s not just going to be given to me,” Carroll said Florida’s message to him. “Not to talk bad about any other conference, but being in the SEC is a big deal.”
Carroll entered the transfer portal on Jan. 19th and committed to Florida just four days later.
“It didn’t take me long at all,” Carroll said on how long it took to embrace Florida’s pitch. “I spoke with Coach Napier and Coach Juluke and they told me we have two guys returning and it didn’t really fear me or upset me. I just took it as another opportunity to be in a room with great backs, learn from them and most importantly, be a part of something great.”
Head Coach Billy Napier has a history of spreading the ball around within his offense, particularly with the running backs. Although this played a factor in Carroll’s decision to transfer to Florida, it wasn’t the main reason.
“Just being able to be in the SEC, to be able to be a part of such a great program is what really attracted me to this school,” Carroll said. “Also, the two guys that were returning I know that Florida is big on running the ball and spreading the ball out. But most importantly to be a part of such a great program.”
Carroll is not concerned about what his role might look like when Florida takes the field for the first time this season on August 31st.
“I knew that coming here I was coming into a loaded backfield and whatever my role may be, whether it’s, you know, a relief guy or a role player, whatever that role looks like, whatever that role may be I want to be there for the team, to put us in the best situation possible,” Carroll said.
I expect Carroll to carve out a fairly significant role as a change of pace back that contributes in all aspects of the passing game.