‘TNT’: Gators boast explosive RB duo of Trevor Etienne & Montrell Johnson Jr.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida fans have offered several potential nicknames for Trevor Etienne and Montrell Johnson Jr., one of the top running back duos in the nation.

“I’ve seen some on Twitter,” Etienne told Gators Online, “but we haven’t officially made one yet.”

Both hail from the state of Louisiana, so “Cajun Combo” and “Bayou Backfield” were some of the suggestions. There was one, though, that Etienne liked best.

“I like TNT,” he said with a grin.

This stands for Trell-n’-Trevor, which includes Johnson’s own nickname. Of course, the TNT acronym also references trinitrotoluene, a powerful explosive substance.

That’s a good way to describe UF’s tailback tandem. Etienne and Johnson were one of only three duos to eclipse 700 yards apiece and average over 5.4 yards per carry last season.

Not only will the Gators continue to feed them the ball this year, but some offensive possessions will feature Etienne and Johnson playing together in split back sets.

“That will be pretty dangerous, having us both on the field at the same time,” Etienne said. “You don’t know who’s getting the ball. You have to pick your poison.”

Tell you this: Trell and ETN on the field at the same time in a split back set is a legitimate problem. Both underrated as receivers and both hard to bring down.

— Mr. Snell (@theebigbossSS) August 10, 2023

Etienne and Johnson need to carry even more of the load this fall following the season-ending injury to redshirt senior running back Cam Carroll, who suffered a knee injury in the team’s final scrimmage last Friday.

RELATED: How the loss of Cam Carroll affects the Florida Gators RB room

Last season Johnson ranked ninth in the SEC in rushing (155 carries, 841 yards, 5.4 YPC, 10 TDs) and Etienne finished 16th (118 carries, 718 yards, 6.1 YPC, 6 TDs). However, neither of them made many receptions.

Johnson had 12 catches for 58 yards and a touchdown, while Etienne caught nine passes for 66 yards. Both backs have been utilized more in the passing game this year during fall training camp and spring ball.

“As you know, we didn’t use running backs in the passing game a lot last year. I feel like we’re implementing it this year,” Johnson said. “We’ve been working on a lot of stuff out of the backfield with the running backs, stuff in the slot with the running backs, so I’m excited for this year.”

Etienne added, “I’m definitely more excited. it’s just a way to use your weapons. We have a great offense. Great weapons. Great players. The more we create space for our athletes, I feel like we have a better opportunity to score touchdowns.”

The Sun Belt Freshman of the Year in 2021, Johnson became the first UF running back to rush for over 800 yards since La’Mical Perine (2018) and the first Gator with consecutive 100-yard games since Jordan Scarlett (2016).

Etienne finished with the fourth most rushing yards by a true freshman RB in school history (highest total since Fred Taylor’s 873 yards in 1994) and ranked fourth among FBS frosh running backs with 6.1 yards per carry.

This year, Etienne and Johnson could become the first running backs in school history to eclipse 800 yards rushing apiece in the same season. That being said, they’re not setting any expectations or goals for themselves.

“We talked about this. Me and Trevor, we try not to focus on goals. We just go out there and play,” Johnson said. “We try to go out there and help the team as much as we can, and I feel like the goal is going is come at the end. I feel like it’s been working out for us.”

Etienne echoed Johnson’s comments, “I feel like once you set goals, you set a limit on yourself. So, we want to set no limit. The sky’s the limit and that’s footprints on the moon. Whatever happens, happens. We just want to be the best we can be, so we push each other daily.”