Senior running back Montrell Johnson suffered a knee injury that required a minor surgery during fall camp. UF is considering Johnson “week to week,” per reports. Johnson has led Florida in rushing each of the last two seasons and finds his name on several preseason All-SEC publications as well as the Doak Walker Award Watchlist.
The Gators’ starting running back could miss a large chunk, if not all of fall camp, which puts him in danger of missing Florida’s week one game vs Miami. Who will the Gators turn to if Johnson can’t go on August 31st?
Sophomore Treyaun Webb
Sophomore running back Treyaub Webb is expected to lead Florida’s backfield during Johnson’s absence. The 5’11, 211 pound back served as Florida’s RB3 last season, totaling 163 rushing yards on 26 attempts, an average of 6.3 yards per carry. Webb also added four receptions for 18 yards.
“I’d probably say just being able to go out there and get my feet wet, get a feel for the game,” Webb said on what he accomplished as a freshman.” Now I feel like in year two I’ll be able to play faster. I kind of have a feel for the game so I feel like that’s going to help me a lot in year two.”
Webb was already expected to play a larger role in year two after the departure of running back Trevor Etienne, who transferred to the Georgia Bulldogs this offseason.
“I got recruited to be Treyaun Webb, not Trevor Etienne,” Webb said on his opportunity this season. “So I feel I have an opportunity to really show what I could do this year and make the most of it.”
Webb spent the offseason focusing on becoming a complete back, because that is what the NFL is looking for in a running back.
“I feel like I kind of have an advantage as far as pass protection, I’ve done that well, really I want to build off that, keep elevating my game, I have a lot of to work on,” Webb said during spring camp.
The Jacksonville, Florida native is the leading candidate to receive first team reps while Johnson is sidelined.
Redshirt Junior Ja’Kobi Jackson
JUCO transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson joined the team last year but didn’t appear in a game and redshirted. Jackson stood out in the spring scrimmages and during Florida’s Orange and Blue game, where he rushed for a team Orange high of 60 yards on five attempts, leading both teams in average yards per carry (12). He also collected the longest rush of the game with his 32-yard dash in the second quarter. Jackson led both teams in explosive plays with three, all of which came in the second quarter.
The 5’10.5, 209 pound running back is Florida’s most explosive option at running back with his breakaway speed.
“Ja’Kobi is a great player. He’s shifty. He’s fast. I feel like he’s going to shock the world, as well, come fall, and I feel like a lot of people doubt him,” Montrell Johnson said on Jackson last season.
Freshman Jadan Baugh
True freshman Jadan Baugh has made a lot of noise since stepping foot on campus in the spring semester. Baugh primarily worked as the starting running back for the second-team offense throughout spring camp and did not disappoint.
In Florida’s Orange and Blue Spring game, Baugh rushed for 77 yards on just 12 carries, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per carry in the contest. Baugh was moving very well for a 237-pound running back, displaying quick lateral movement and acceleration through running lanes.
“Seeing his first couple of days at practice, I knew he was going to make some shaking, and he most definitely showcased it off today in the spring game,” WR Eugene Wilson said on Baugh.
Since then, Baugh has dropped 10 pounds and is in line for a larger role during Johnson’s absence. Baugh’s early playing time will depend on his understanding of the playbook and the assignments that come with pass protection. There’s little doubt Baugh can succeed as a runner, but he needs to be efficient in other areas to make a jump up the depth chart. Baugh is a true freshman that will likely have an expanded role as the season progresses.
Florida will miss Johnson’s experience and pass catching ability out of the backfield, but they have depth at the running back position and should be able to hold it down until Johnson returns from injury. I would not be surprised if Webb, Jackson, and Baugh all get carries against Miami in week one.