The Bright Lights Of The Running Back Room Just Got Brighter
Updated: Apr 19, 2022
“Montrell is extremely bright and picks up things quickly,” said Billy Napier. “He was a very productive back for us last year.”
By KYLE CURTIS
GatorBaitMedia.com
On a night where the Blue team dominated the Orange behind Anthony Richardson, the running back room shone just as bright.
Montrell Johnson looked the part of Sun Belt Freshman of the year and some more. Johnson was bouncing off defenders all night enroute 62 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown. He was consistently able to make the first guy miss and continued to get plus yardage on early downs. His explosion through the holes and being able to make the right decisions is something that stood out all night.
“Montrell is extremely bright and picks up things quickly,” said Billy Napier. “He was a very productive back for us last year.”
Demarkcus Bowman had an up and down night but showed sparks of his potential within the offense. Bowman finished with 17 carries for 64 yards along with four catches for 18 yards.
Bowman was the centerpiece of the orange’s offense on multiple possessions making it clear they want the ball in his hands. Rightfully so, Bowman showed elite explosion through the holes and provides a different approach versus the other backs.
Additionally, Bowman proved he can be the pass-catching back out of the backfield for the Gators with his four catches. Bowman also had trouble with ball security. On the opening kickoff of the game, he fumbled and the ball was recovered by Derek Wingo.
Later in the game, Bowman also fumbled inside their own 20 which resulted in an Anthony Richardson rushing touchdown the following play. Despite the fumbles, Bowman showed sparks of what he can bring to this loaded running back room.
Lorenzo Lingard got the opportunity to contribute for the blue team as well. Lingard played behind Montrell Johnson and came in during certain third-down situations and in the red zone. Lingard finished with four carries for 13 yards along with one catch for seven yards. Lingard looked sharp in the few reps he was able to receive. Look for Lingard to come in and relieve duties on third-down situations for Johnson.
Nay’Quan Wright did not play in the spring game, although he is guaranteed to be a major part of the game script come fall. Napier said “We’re excited to get Nay’Quan back and he’s certainly going to bring something to our team.”
Freshman Gabriel Ortiz, out of Pembroke Pines also made an appearance in the spring game last night. He went for two carries for seven yards, but likely won’t be a factor when the season rolls around.
Four-star running back Trevor Etienne is set to enroll in the fall and will also compete for snaps.
The ability of Richardson to be a major threat running the ball will be a factor opposing defenses must consider. On Richardson’s touchdown scamper, the read-option opened up the hole. Granted, during the no-tackling spring game Richardson’s running packages were not on full display. When fall rolls around teams will have to find a way to contain both Richardson and the plethora of backs Florida can throw at them.
All in all, a good showing from the running back room. This could be, as a whole, one of the most explosive running back rooms since the Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps era.
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