The second in a position-by-position look at the 2024 Gators leading up to fall camp:
TODAY: RUNNING BACK
What to expect
Senior Montrell Johnson Jr. led the Gators in rushing yards the past two seasons while sharing carries with Trevor Etienne. Etienne’s transfer to Georgia put more on Johnson’s shoulders but also left Florida without its home-run threat out of the backfield. The 5-foot-11, 213-pound Johnson is powerful and productive. He rushed for 2,496 yards and 27 touchdowns in three college seasons, including 2021 with UF coach Billy Napier at Louisiana.
Napier’s penchant for using multiple runners places sophomore Treyaun Webb, a coveted 4-star prospect in 2023 from Jacksonville, next in line for carries. True freshman Jordan Baugh, however, served notice during the spring game with a game-high 77 rushing yards — many displaying Etienne-like acceleration and elusiveness.
The 6-foot 3/4, 237-pound Georgian was a 3-star recruit, but he spurned Alabama for UF, signaling recruitniks may have missed on him.
Fellow true freshman Kahnen Daniels was a record-setter in Mississippi. The 5-foot-11 1/2, 196-pound Daniels rushed for 2,737 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2023, highlighted by a 253-yard performance in the state title game.
Tulane transfer Cam Carroll’s career appears in jeopardy after successive knee injuries.
The success of Napier’s run begins up front. UF averaged 1.24 yards fewer per carry than 2022.
On the roster
Montrell Johnson, Sr.
Treyaun Webb, R-Fr.
Cam Carroll, R-Sr.
Ja’Kobi Jackson, R-Jr.
Anthony Rubio, R-Fr.
Departures
Trevor Etienne (transfer to Georgia)
Eddie Battle (eligibility)
Arrivals
Jadan Baugh, Fr. (signee)
KD Daniels, Fr. (signee)
Projected depth chart
RB1 — Montrell Johnson
RB2 — Treyaun Webb
RB3 — Jadan Baugh
RB4 — KD Daniels
Previous: Quarterback
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
