Lorenzo Lingard earning carries in Florida's competitive RB room
Welcome to Good Morning Gators, where we cover the latest news, notes and analysis on Florida athletics. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything in the world of Florida football, UF recruiting, Gators basketball, Florida baseball and more.
Florida featured a new running back lineup in its last game against LSU. While Montrell Johnson made his first start of the year and Trevor Etienne moved up to No. 2 on the depth chart, there was also a shakeup with the third back in the rotation.
Lorenzo Lingard made his season debut in SEC play, rushing three times for 16 yards and making a 7-yard reception on third-and-6 that put the Gators in the red zone. UF coach Billy Napier credited Lingard for earning those touches against the Tigers.
“Lorenzo’s worked extremely hard, in particular as of late. He’s had phenomenal practices. He’s been much more intentional in the meetings and the walk-throughs. Just overall earned that opportunity through what we observed in practice,” Napier said on the SEC teleconference. “That’s where we’re at as a program, we’re in the first year. Every day is competitive, these challenges are constant and certainly from a players’ standpoint we’re rewarding what we see in practice.
“Again, I can’t emphasize enough, inside of our walls it means a lot. It’s a privilege to represent the University of Florida. To be one of 11 players who goes between the lines is very important. Lorenzo’s earned that, and when given an opportunity I think he did a really nice job.”
Lingard had a strong spring under the new staff, but in fall camp he was passed on the depth chart with Nay’Quan Wright returning from injury and Etienne enrolling in school. Nonetheless, he has continued to compete for playing time this season.
Lingard received his first carries of the season against Eastern Washington, rushing five times for 45 yards, catching a 15-yard pass and scoring his first touchdown since the 2018 season when he played at Miami.
“He’s a great, great running back. He’s a great running back,” UF receiver Justin Shorter said of Lingard. “I’ve seen him put in the work since I got here and even before. I always remember watching his Instagram stories about him putting in the work. So now, his work’s paying off, and people are really seeing what he can do. With the ball in his hands, he’s very, very dangerous, so it’s awesome to see him running wild.”
*** Not a subscriber of Gators Online? CLICK HERE to receive a year of premium access for just $10.00 or one month for $1.00!
In other Florida football news
- New Gators Online Podcast: Florida Football bye week review, UF hoops season preview.
- Dissatisfaction with the defense doesn’t shake Billy Napier’s trust in co-DC Patrick Toney.
- Florida coach Billy Napier discusses Joshua Braun’s midseason departure from the Gators.
UF recruiting roundup
- Gators CB commit Ja’Keem Jackson discusses his Kentucky official visit and his recruitment.
- Billy Napier’s staff is set to drop in for a visit with an out-of-state four-star offensive tackle.
- Simmons Scoop: Latest on Cormani McClain, Matayo Uiagalelei, Malachi Coleman and more.
Gators sports roundup
- The Gators will host Orange & Blue Scrimmage in the O’Dome on Nov. 1, free for all fans.
Let’s keep talking
Want to keep the conversation going? Head over to our Florida message board, Swamp Talk. Sign up here and join the discussion.
Also, you can sign up for Gators Online’s FREE Newsletter to have the latest in Gators sports sent directly to your mailbox every day.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE GATORS ONLINE YOUTUBE PAGE
Gators Twitter updates
- What’s your favorite play of Florida’s season so far?
