(Photo: Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports)
With the NFL Draft deadline come and gone, GatorBait.net will take some time over the next few days to break down what Florida has returning in terms of production at each position and how it compares to the rest of the SEC. Today we continue with the running backs.
Returning Production: Running Backs
Florida returns all but one running back who contributed in 2018 with only Mark Thompson gone. However, now-sophomore Malik Davis will be recovering from a very serious knee injury and may not be available immediately next fall.
Still, the Gators have one of the deepest backfields in the SEC, especially with running back Jordan Scarlett returning to the fold.
The league average in the SEC in terms of returning production from running backs is 1,058 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns; Florida returns 1,228 and 10, respectively (again, that doesn’t factor in Scarlett’s previous proven production).
The Gators are also right on the league average in terms of their pass-catching ability out of the backfield.
Considering that those numbers all stack up relatively favorably on an offense that was pretty lifeless during 2017, Florida is well set up to have one of the best SEC backfields next fall.
You can take a look at what each team returns out of its running backs next fall.
RB Rushing Production Returning From 2017
League Average: 204 carries for 1,058 yards, 8 TDs
Alabama: 287 carries for 1,926 yards, 18 TDs
Arkansas: 189 carries for 885 yards, 11 TDs
Auburn: 123 carries for 667 yards, 3 TDs
Florida: 235 carries for 1,228 yards, 10 TDs
Georgia: 198 carries for 1,191 yards, 6 TDs
Kentucky: 356 carries for 1,734 yards, 21 TDs
LSU: 29 carries for 134 yards, 0 TDs
Miss. State: 375 carries for 1,803 yards, 10 TDs
Missouri: 226 carries for 1,305 yards,