Billy Napier says Gators will continue running back by committee
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida Gators running back Nay’Quan Wright has started the first two games of the 2022 season, but backups Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne outproduced him in both contests.
Johnson led the Gators in rushing against Utah (75 yards and a touchdown) and Kentucky (62 yards), while Etienne had a team-high nine carries for 46 yards and a TD last Saturday.
After two weeks, Johnson has 19 carries for 137 yards (7.2 avg.), followed by Etienne with 14 carries for 110 yards (7.9 avg.) and Wright with 18 carries for 63 yards (3.5 avg.).
During his appearance Wednesday on the SEC Teleconference, Gators coach Billy Napier was asked if Johnson and Etienne are vying for more carries. He made it clear that all three backs will continue to be involved in the rotation, along with Lorenzo Lingard.
“You know, we’re very much a running back by committee group. That’s been our philosophy for a long time,” Napier said. “We’ve been one of the best rushing teams in the country. Those players have went to play in the National Football League. Montrell, Trevor and Nay’Quan, those guys are next up. The good thing about that room is those guys are selfless, they’ve got a great attitude, they work hard each day. They’re improving as practice players.
“I think Trevor in particular is learning more and more as a rookie player. But Nay’Quan provides leadership. Montrell obviously is still a young player but played in our system last year. So, each one of those guys, to go along with Lorenzo Lingard, they contribute to our team in a great way, and we’ll continue to roll those guys through.”
Etienne playing early for Gators
Etienne, an On300 prospect in the 2022 class, has made an immediate impact for the Gators despite their depth at running back. He rushed for 64 yards on just five carries in the opener, followed by his first career touchdown against the Wildcats.
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Napier fed the true freshman after Gervon Dexter‘s interception, giving him three carries for 29 yards on the ensuing touchdown drive — including a 15-yard run on third-and-4 — and converting the two-point conversion with him on the reception.
“I think Trevor’s a good young player. I think Trevor’s got great vision, great instincts. I think he’s elusive, he can make people miss, he’s low to the ground. He catches the ball well,” Napier said of Etienne after the Kentucky game. “He’s out there playing as a rookie, but he’s got the intelligence and maturity to do that. He’s in the rotation. Did some good things tonight. I also think there’s some areas he can improve. Excited about Trevor and his future for sure.”
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