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2015 Overview- Running Back

If there was one position that Muschamp got right on offense it was the running back position. He got UF its first 1000 yard rusher since 2004 and has had two running backs drafted and will likely have one more once the 2015 Draft is done. Injuries added on to a lack of help on offense kept this group from being truly great, but it was definitely solid. However, with a new offensive minded head coach, a new offensive coordinator and a new running back coach things could be even better. Jim McElwain, Doug Nussmeier, and Tim Skipper have combined to coach Ryan Matthews, Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy, T.J. Yeldon, and Dee Hart.

Running Back-

1. Mark Herndon 5'9 195lb. SR- Even though Herndon is a walk-on the skills he has shown in practice, spring games, and actual games warranted a mention in my opinion. Herndon chose to walk-on at Florida rather than play for a smaller school like FAU or Fresno State. While he has contributed regularly on special teams he has failed to crack the running back rotation so far. However, with a new coach at every level of the offense, now might be his time to prove he deserves some carries.

2. Adam Lane 5'7 222lb. RSO- Adam Lane was only a three star prospect but apparently Florida wasn't the only one that saw potential in him as he had offers from UGA, FSU, OSU and Alabama. His freshman season he was still nursing an injury from high school so he took a redshirt season. His second season looked like it would be a waste as well since he only got 8 carries throughout the regular season. However, before the bowl game, someone decided he needed more carries. He got 16 in fact which he promptly used to pick up 109 yards and a touchdown. It remains to be seen if he can continue to earn those carries in the future.

3. Brandon Powell 5'9 177lb. SO- A freshman who made an impact last season, Powell a former three star recruit, did more damage through the air (15 receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown) than the ground (16 carries for 70 yards and a touchdown). Because of this, his small frame, and McElwain's/Nussmeier's preference to use bigger bcaks many believe that Powell could make the switch to Wide Receiver this offseason.

4. Kelvin Taylor 5'10 210lb. JR- The former five star running back is the son of Gator Great Fred Taylor. While he hasn't lived up to the hype of either of those, he has been a solid contributor since day one. His freshman season he ran for 508 yards and 4 touchdowns which was enough for him to be named to the All-SEC Freshman team. Many expected a breakthrough season for Taylor, but he was held back by a lackluster offense and the need to split touches with other backs, as he only ran for 565 yards and 6 touchdowns his sophomore season. However, both McElwain's and Nussmeier's offenses have traditionally featured a single feature back. This along with an upgrade at running back coach in Tim Skipper plus the departures of Matt Jones and Mack Brown might be enough to propel Kelvin Taylor into the ranks of stardom that so few Florida backs have managed to achieve lately; if he manages to beat out the other challengers at running back.

Freshman:

1. Jordan Scarlett 5'11 202lb. 4 Stars

2. Jordan Cronkrite 5'11 198lb. 4 Stars

3. D'Anfernee McGriff 6'1 230lb. 4 Stars

Outlook: The running back position has been very important in both McElwain and Nussmeier offenses. While at Alabama they combined for only one season without a 1000 yard rusher. That was in 2010 when Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, and Eddie lacy combined for almost 2000 yards. Two out of the three seasons McElwain was the head coach at Colorado State he had a 1000 yard rusher, and one of those guys actually ran for 1700 yards. Usually they're offenses have a single feature back, even when there is talent behind them. I expect Brandon Powell to move to wide receiver in a move that will benefit both the team and himself. This will give McElwain another playmaker at receiver, and give Powell more snaps. It will be interesting to see how good the freshman are. I'm not even sure what position D'Anfernee McGriff will end up playing, and Jordan Cronkrite could move to defensive back. In my opinion I think we will see a season where Kelvin Taylor gets the majority of the carries and rushes for somewhere around 1200 yards. I think Adam lane will be the number 2 back and get around 600 yards.

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