Nov 22, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA;Florida Gators running back Kelvin Taylor (21) runs past Eastern Kentucky Colonels linebacker Max Nussbaum (97) for a touchdown during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
As you know, the Florida Gators weren’t good on offense last season, and that’s one of the biggest reasons Will Muschamp is now a member of the Auburn football coaching staff and no longer the head coach in Gainesville. However, the Gators did prove they could competently run the football – most memorably when Matt Jones had 192 yards and two touchdowns and Kelvin Taylor had 197 yards and another two scores in a dominating 38-20 upset win over Georgia.
Jones won’t be back in 2015, but Taylor should slide into the top spot on the running back depth chart and could emerge as one of the SEC’s best. After two seasons splitting carries and rushing for more than 500 yards, Taylor has a chance to put up big numbers for new head coach Jim McElwain.
Of course, after Taylor there is quite a drop off in experience and production. Adam Lane had just eight carries in the regular season, but exploded for 109 yards on 16 attempts in the Birmingham Bowl victory over East Carolina. If he’s not a one-hit wonder, the 5-foot-7, 222-pound Lane could become a very valuable backup.
Brandon Powell will have an opportunity as well as a sophomore, and true freshman Jordan Scarlett could challenge for playing time as well.
Next: 8. South Carolina