Florida Football: 5 spring 2019 breakout candidates for Gators

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Trevon Grimes #8 of the Florida Gators, Feleipe Franks #13 of the Florida Gators, and Dameon Pierce #27 of the Florida Gators celebrates the win with the fans after the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida won the game 47-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

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GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 17: Dameon Pierce #27 of the Florida Gators scores a touchdown in the second half of their game against the Idaho Vandals at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /

Did Dameon Pierce actually break out in 2018 as a freshman? It could be argued that he did, but he was still the third back behind Lamical Perine and Jordan Scarlett, so it’s not like he was dominating the carries nor the production in the backfield.

The excitement surrounding Pierce this spring is almost deafening as Gator fans are looking for him to have a big couple of months, earning a potential split with Perine in the backfield.

That would be a devastating one-two punch as Perine finished with 826 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 6.2 yards per carry as a junior and he could be the veteran leader that Pierce needs to take that next step.

Pierce finished the 2018 season with 424 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 6.1 per touch. He was effective in his limited reps and it’s almost a given that he’s going to get more touches in 2019 with Scarlett gone.

Watch out for this kid as he could be a budding star in the SEC and torture opposing defenses for years to come with his explosive running ability.

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