Florida Football: 5 reasons Gators will be contenders in 2019

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 10: Kadarius Toney #4 of the Florida Gators crosses the goal line for a touchdown during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 10: Kadarius Toney #4 of the Florida Gators crosses the goal line for a touchdown during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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GAINESVILLE, FL – SEPTEMBER 30: Malik Davis
GAINESVILLE, FL – SEPTEMBER 30: Malik Davis /

3. Loaded backfield will cause problems

Florida was ranked just fourth in the SEC and 27th nationally in rushing yards per game last season with a fraction over 213, but that’s going to improve in 2019, and that’s because the backfield is loaded.

Some teams have a couple of good running backs, but the Gators have 3-4 guys who could legitimately start when the season begins.

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Let’s start with Lamical Perine who finished the 2018 season with 826 rushing yards and 996 from scrimmage last year. He is going to be the workhorse back to start his senior year and he’ll get some help from Malik Davis who many believe will be the primary backup if he can stay healthy. He rushed for 526 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman, averaging 6.7 yards per carry.

Outside of Perine and Davis, the gators also have Dameon Pierce who rushed for 424 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman in 2018 on 6.1 yards per touch.

Lastly, redshirt freshman Iverson Clement has the tools to be a star in this offense and can push for some carries this season.

Florida’s backfield is absolutely loaded.