Gators 2024 Positional Outlook: Running Back

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The winds of attrition breezed through The Swamp again this winter, with Florida making 30 scholarship roster additions and 21 subtractions via the NCAA transfer portal, along with several departing players heading toward the NFL Draft or their post-football careers.

All Gators is breaking down each position on Florida's roster as the team approaches spring training camp, reviewing the performances of each group in 2023 and previewing their makeup for the 2024 season.

After kicking off the series by examining the quarterback position, we remain in the backfield to analyze the running back spot.

If required, All Gators will revisit positions affected by the spring transfer portal window later this offseason. We will offer final depth chart projections during Florida's fall training camp in August. 

2023 Season in Review: Florida’s Running Backs

Florida’s rushing attack during the 2023 campaign leaned largely on its two-headed monster of Montrell Johnson Jr.and Trevor Etienne. The duo returned to UF following stellar first years in Gainesville one season prior, aiming to maintain the high level of play they experienced to kick-off their career in orange and blue.

On an individual basis, Johnson and Etienne saw similar returns on the ground as they commanded 67% of the carry share. They combined for 1,570 yards and 13 touchdowns compared to 1,560 yards and 16 scores in 2022.

Johnson led the unit in rushing with 817 yards and five touchdowns on 152 touches while Etienne supported his efforts to churn out 753 yards and eight scores on 131 attempts in a drive-by-drive rotational system.

They also both improved as pass catchers — totaling 51 receptions for 408 yards and two trips to pay dirt together — in a year which saw Florida throwing the ball more than expected due to playing from behind in a bevy of contests.

Despite a dip in team-wide rushing production from 2022 to 2023, dropping from 200.2 yards per game (No. 25 nationally) on the ground to just 147._ (No. 77), the backs continued to flash success behind the struggling offensive line which replaced all five starters.

Johnson and Etienne still managed average yards per carry marks of 5.4 and 5.7, respectively, displaying a knack for consistent production on a touch-by-touch basis paired with the occasional big play for two talented rushers.

Once again, from a talent standpoint, the unit proved to be a strength for UF’s offense.

In relief of the duo was true freshman ball carrier Treyaun Webb. He saw limited time in debut season, but complemented the styles of Johnson and Etienne well given his physical, bruising style.

Standing at 5-foot-11, 210 pounds with a notably stout lower half, Webb found success rushing in short-yardage situations and between the tackles. He accounted for 163 yards and two scores on just 26 carries on the season, flashing a promising skillset to surge into the rotation in the Gators’ ensuing campaigns.

No other Florida running back saw more than six carries on the season.

Out and In

Scholarship players only

• Out: Trevor Etienne (transferred to Georgia)

• In: Kahnen Daniels (freshman), Jadan Baugh (freshman)

Looking Forward

The departure of Etienne to Georgia is surely a tough blow for Florida from a top-end talent perspective heading into next season. However, the Gators arguably improved the outlook of the room from top-to-bottom heading into 2024.

The additions the unit made from the prep level in the 2024 class, along with the return of Tulane transfer Cam Carroll — following a year-ending knee injury in last year's fall camp — sets Florida up to operate with more depth in the unit.

Johnson will continue to command the top role at the position, starting in all but one game since his transfer to Florida from Louisiana-Lafayette in the 2022 preseason. But, despite holding the crown as the Gators' leading rusher and receiving the most touches, he could see even more responsibility in the absence of Etienne by his side.

His previous production and well-rounded skillset as a rusher, pass catcher and pass protector suggests he's suited for the volume increase. 

Most notably, in the past, Etienne commanded a plethora of off-tackle touches due to his elusiveness.

Even though Johnson's 5-foot-11, 215-pound frame illustrates a bruising style, he has found success reeling off chunk yardage runs throughout his collegiate career. Florida will accordingly use him between the tackles and off the edge next season.

Behind him is rising sophomore Webb and redshirt senior Carroll.

Webb will take on a heavier role in direct relief of Johnson as UF's RB2, aiming to build off a true freshman campaign in which he showcased flashes as a physical downhill rusher.

Carroll, when healthy, also presents a promising skillset to operate as another viable change of pace ball carrier within Napier's platoon-like system.

He's appeared in just one game over the past two seasons, as they have been hampered by lower body hurts, but there is optimism regarding his return to full health for his final year of collegiate eligibility. If he's able to get up to speed, Carroll will expectedly fill a rotational role with a heavy responsibility in the team's backfield pass-catching efforts.

Beyond the returning pieces is true freshman Kahnen Daniels, who Napier and Co. could look to give a share of the touches to groom him for a drastic increase in ball-carrying responsibilities beyond this season.

Showcasing impressive vision, patience and short-area quickness as a rusher while producing a record-breaking senior campaign in the 5A level of Mississippi High School football, the West Point High standout could provide Florida with a different style of rusher to add to the arsenal of backfield weapons.

His role, in terms of carry share, could mirror Webb’s from a season ago as running backs coach Jabbar Juluke strives to acclimate the talented rusher for his eventual high-volume spot in the offense.

Fellow rookie Jadan Baugh drew praise for his eventual contribution due to his versatility and muscular build as a prospect. However, with five bodies in front of him, his path to playing time is daunting and suggests a redshirt season is inbound.

Redshirt junior Ja'Kobi Jackson joins Baugh to round out the group. They'll see the field in a limited capacity, if at all, in 2024.

Early Gators 2024 RB Depth Chart Projection

Starter: Montrell Johnson Jr. (Sr.)

Backups: Treyaun Webb (So.), Cam Carroll (r-Sr.), Kahnen Daniels (Fr.)

Reserves: Jadan Baugh (Fr.), Ja'Kobi Jackson (r-Jr.)

Florida 2024 Positional Outlooks