Preview: Gator Running Backs

Outside of stifling defenses, if there is an individual facet of their game that the Florida Gators are most known for it’s a strong running game. The Gators can lay claim to some all time greats like Emmitt Smith, who is the NFL’s all time leading rusher, or Fred Taylor, who had a strong NFL career. More recently the Gators can claim one of the most electric running backs in the history of the SEC Jeff Demps, or current Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones.

Reminiscing on past seasons is all well and good but that won’t give the Gators a strong running attack this year. That responsibility will fall into the hands of the seven running backs listed on Florida’s depth chart to begin the season

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In the past, Gators head coach Jim McElwain has said that he prefers to have one go-to back that would handle the majority of the snaps. That was evident last year with Kelvin Taylor receiving a vast majority of snaps with some opportunities mixed in for true freshman Jordan Cronkrite and Jordan Scarlett. Taylor did well last year as he rushed for over 1000 yards and 13 touchdowns behind a patchwork offensive line. The offensive line should improve in its second year under Jim McElwain so the Gators young backfield will hope to capitalize. McElwain has not been shy about sharing his feelings on his backs calling them their strongest position group in an interview.

The oldest running back on the depth chart is junior college transfer Mark Thompson. Thompson is a load officially listed at 6-2, 237 pounds. Don’t let his size deceive you though. Thompson is still quick and extremely athletic. This is evident in his JUCO highlight film featuring a clip of him hurtling a full foot over a tackler in the open, landing safely and picking up a few more yards before being tracked down from behind. We saw it again, Thompson’s first game in a Gator’s uniform, the spring game, where he made a quick lateral jump-cut to evade a tackler before bouncing it outside and taking it for a touchdown. Thompson’s upside is evident, a strong, athletic back who can get you the tough yards. Thompson will need to improve his ball security before he fully gains the trust of McElwain.

Next come the two Jordans: Cronkrite and Scarlett. The pair showed flashes during their true freshman season. Thinking back to Scarlett bouncing off a tackle and taking the ball 60 yards down the field against Georgia, or Cronkrite ripping the ball from the hands of a South Carolina defensive back and taking it for a touchdown. Scarlett would fall into the tough-nose downhill running back category but his speed adds an extra dimension to his game. If he can get through the hole he’ll be a dangerous weapon. Cronkrite played an effective role last year, often handling third down duties. His willingness and ability to pass block as well his pass catching ability makes him a coaches dream. Cronkrite’s versatility alone will earn him playing time but there are more factors beyond that. McElwain seems to trust Cronkrite and he showed it by awarding him with the starting spot for Florida’s spring game. It will be interesting to see how the two Jordans fit into McElwain and Nussmeier’s offensive scheme.

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Thompson, Cronkrite and Scarlett figure to get almost all of the touches for the Gators this year but the depth chart doesn’t end there. The Gators grabbed the number one running back in the state of Alabama last recruiting cycle and his name is Lamical Perine. Perine will get plenty of time to develop behind running backs with experience at the collegiate level this year as the depth chart is loaded in front of him, but don’t let that make you think he doesn’t have potential. Perine comes in at 5-11, 221 pounds which gives him the scary combo of size and strength but his real gift is his field vision and he uses it to break off big plays. Keep and eye out for Perine in the future.

The Gators absolutely have the talent in place to field a strong running attack this year provided the group stays healthy along with the offensive line. The run-run-pass days of Will  Muschamp’s tenure will be a distant memory for the Gators this year as McElwain and Nussmeier will look to get creative with their talented backfield.