Florida Football: Definitive all-time 2-deep Gators depth chart

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GAINSVILLE, FL – SEPTEMBER 9: Running back Emmitt Smith #22 of the Florida Gators runs with the ball during a game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 9,1989 in Gainsville, Florida. The Rebels defeated the Gators 24-19. (Photo by Allen Dean Steele/Getty Images) /

Running Backs

Starting running back: Emmitt Smith
Backup: Fred Taylor

Gator Nation typically remembers quarterbacks and receivers during the Fun ‘n’ Gun years, but the Gators produced some of the best college – and pro – running backs of all time.

Of course, Emmitt Smith tops the list of great Gator running backs thanks, in part, to the fact that he owned 58 school records when he declared for the NFL Draft. Smith still holds the two most prolific seasons for a running back in term of yards and he also set and holds the first and second most rushing yards in a single game – 316 yards in 1989 and 224 against Alabama in his first career start. Interestingly, however, Smith is second in career rushing yards behind Errict Rhett.

Fred Taylor, another great college and pro running back, finished his career with the fourth most rushing yards in Florida history and fifth most touchdowns. He owns the fourth most rushing yards in a season, as well. Taylor provided the muscle from the backfield during Florida’s championship run in the 1996 season. Taylor was named a “Gator Great” in 2010 and ranked as the 36th best player in Gator history according to The Gainesville Sun.

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