Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Florida Football: Way-too-early 2-deep depth chart projection for 2019

By Briley Hughes

GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 06: Head coach Dan Mullen of the Florida Gators celebrates with fans following a 27-19 victory over the LSU Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 06: Head coach Dan Mullen of the Florida Gators celebrates with fans following a 27-19 victory over the LSU Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 8
Next
JACKSONVILLE, FL – OCTOBER 27: Lamical Perine #22 of the Florida Gators rushes during a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at TIAA Bank Field on October 27, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL – OCTOBER 27: Lamical Perine #22 of the Florida Gators rushes during a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at TIAA Bank Field on October 27, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Running Backs

The Gators saw a resurgence in the running game behind Dan Mullen’s new offensive scheme and an improved offensive line in 2018. The running game quite literally carried the Gators to several victories when Feleipe Franks couldn’t get the offense moving with his arm. For Florida to maintain their team success in 2019, the running backs will need to build on their momentum from last season.

Starting running back: Lamical Perine
Backups: Dameon Pierce, Malik Davis

Lamical Perine broke out as both a running and receiving force in 2018, and his return makes the loss of Jordan Scarlett more palatable. Perine recorded 826 yards to finish the 2018 season as the leading rusher for the Gators. The Gators haven’t had a rusher with over 1,000 yards in a season since 2012 – Perine looks primed to end that streak in 2019.

Perine’s stats will depend on how much of the rushing load is split with Dameon Pierce and Malik Davis, however. Pierce popped at moments last season and could see more time if he improves as a blocker and receiver. Davis was lost to an injury early in 2018, but should factor in heavily for the upcoming season. Don’t forget that Davis looked like the running back of the future when he emerged as an explosive impact player during the 2017 season.

Home/Florida Gators