Montrell Johnson, a senior running back, injured his knee during fall camp and needed minor surgery. According to rumors, UF is contemplating Johnson on a “week by week” basis. Johnson has led Florida in rushing the last two seasons and appears on multiple preseason All-SEC lists, including the Doak Walker Award Watchlist.
The Gators’ starting running back might miss most, if not all, of fall camp, putting him at risk of missing Florida’s Week 1 game against Miami. If Johnson is unable to go on August 31st, who will the Gators turn to?
Sophomore Treyaun Webb
Treyaub Webb, a sophomore running back, is slated to lead Florida’s backfield while Johnson is absent. Last season, the 5’11, 211-pound running back was Florida’s third-leading rusher, totaling 163 rushing yards on 26 attempts for an average of 6.3 yards per carry. Webb also recorded 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 of his freshman year achievements.”I believe that in year two, I will be able to play faster. I have a feel for the game, and I believe it will benefit me greatly in year two.”
Webb was expected to play a larger role in year two following the departure of running back Trevor Etienne, who moved to the Georgia Bulldogs this offseason.
“I got recruited to be Treyaun Webb, not Trevor Etienne,” Webb spoke about his opportunities 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 working to become a complete back, which is what the NFL looks 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 told the team during spring training.
The Jacksonville, Florida native is the top prospect for first-team reps while Johnson is out.
Redshirt Junior Ja’Kobi Jackson
JUCO Transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson joined the team last year but did not play in any games and redshirted. Jackson showed out in the spring scrimmages and during Florida’s Orange and Blue game, where he rushed for a team Orange record 60 yards on five carries and led both teams in average yards per carry (12). In addition, he had the game’s longest rush in the second quarter, going 32 yards. Jackson led both teams with three explosive plays, all of which occurred in the second quarter.
With his breakaway speed, the 5’10.5, 209-pound running back is Florida’s most explosive option at the position.
“Ja’Kobi is an excellent player. He’s a shifty person. He’s quick. I believe he will shock the world this fall, and I believe many people doubt him,” Montrell Johnson said of Jackson last season.
Freshman Jadan Baugh
Jadan Baugh, a true freshman, has made a lot of noise since arriving on school during the spring semester. Throughout spring camp, Baugh was generally the starting running back for the second-team offense and performed admirably.
In Florida’s Orange and Blue Spring game, Baugh carried for 77 yards on 12 carries, averaging a remarkable 6.4 yards per carry. Baugh moved quite effectively for a 237-pound running back, with excellent lateral movement and acceleration through the 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,” Eugene Wilson, a wide receiver, told Baugh.
Since then, Baugh has lost ten pounds and is poised for a larger role during Johnson’s absence. Baugh’s early playing time will be determined by his comprehension of the playbook and the tasks associated with pass protection. There’s little doubt that Baugh can succeed as a runner, but he needs to improve in other aspects to move up the depth chart. Baugh is a true freshman who will likely play a larger role as the season unfolds.
Florida will miss Johnson’s experience and pass-catching skills out of the backfield, but the team has depth at running back and should be able to hold down the position until Johnson returns from injury. I’m not surprised if Webb, Jackson, and Baugh all get carries against Miami in week one.
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