Florida football: 3 way-too-early breakout candidates for 2023

Florida Gators wide receiver Xzavier Henderson (3) celebrates a touchdown with Florida Gators wide receiver Justin Shorter (4) at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, October 2, 2022. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]Ncaa Football Florida Gators Vs Eastern Washington Eagles /

1 of 3

Billy Napier had a solid first season with Florida football, but to say he reached expectations in Gainesville would just be telling a lie. More is expected of this program, especially when there’s a first-round talent at quarterback.

Expectations should be higher this season and I think Florida will be a problem in the SEC.

It will especially be a problem if these three guys break out and become stars like I believe they will for Napier and the Gators.

Is 700-plus rushing yards as a freshman good enough to be considered a “breakout” season? Probably, but I do think Trevor Etienne is capable of much, much more.

The younger brother of former Clemson standout and current NFL star Travis Etienne has an elite bloodline to live up to and I think he could be every bit as good of a collegiate back as his older sibling. He had an outstanding freshman season while splitting carries with Montrell Johnson.

Etienne finished with 719 yards and six touchdowns on 118 carries. His 6.1 yards per touch were more than impressive and I think we’re going to see his workload increase this coming season and I would not be shocked to see him surpass 1,000 yards which I would absolutely qualify as a breakout.

I’m expecting a monster season in the backfield from Etienne.

Home/Florida Gators