Jabbar Juluke breaks down the Florida Gators' running backs

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — It came as a surprise when Trevor Etienne entered the transfer portal, and signing with Georgia only poured salt in the wound. Etienne led the Florida Gators with eight rushing touchdowns and was second on the team with 753 rushing yards. In two seasons, Etienne rushed for 1,472 yards and 14 touchdowns. That’s a lot of production to replace.

“I think he’s a phenomenal young man and he did what he thought was best for him and his family. So, I wish him the best. I want him to have success, I love him, right? I don’t just recruit kids for the sake that they’re being recruited, I build relationships and it means something to me,” UF running backs coach Jabbar Juluke said. “So I’m looking forward to whatever his success is, as he goes through college, and I wish him well. But I’m really excited about the young men that are here.”

There’s no doubt that Etienne would make Florida better but running backs coach Jabbar Juluke isn’t worried about his position group. That’s mostly due to Montrell Johnson returning for his senior season and the confidence the staff has in his ability. Johnson has rushed for nearly 2,500 yards in his career and is a veteran leader in a young room.

“You cannot underestimate the knowledge that he has in this offense,” Juluke said of Johnson. “You can’t underestimate the value of him being able to catch the ball out of the backfield and play on third down in pass protection or run in between the tackles or outside. He’s just a complete back. He has the total package and now he’s being a mentor, he’s being a leader.”

Johnson will also have a running mate in sophomore Treyaun Webb. The Jacksonville native only carried the ball 26 times in 2023 but should see his carries increase as Johnson’s backup. Juluke gave Webb credit for understanding his role as a freshman and making the most of his opportunities. Now, with a year under his belt, Webb is ready to take on a bigger role.

“When I say things are slowing down, I mean that he understands what others are doing now. He’s not just a runner,” Juluke said. “So he has to know exactly what’s taking place and how things are unfolding as they go.”

Two freshmen impressing early

Florida also signed two running backs in the 2024 recruiting class. KD Daniels and Jadan Baugh both enrolled early and are going through spring camp. As freshmen, they’re still getting used to the speed of the game, the playbook, and what is expected of them. While Juluke doesn’t want to overwhelm them with too much right away, there is no doubt that the two rookies have talent.

“I can see the growth,” Juluke said. “I see it developing right in front of our eyes so I’m excited about what they’re going to do. They’re going to have a bright future for the Gators.”

Cam Carroll still coming along slowly

The fifth running back in the room is redshirt senior Cam Carroll. The Tulane transfer suffered a knee injury during fall camp prior to the 2023 season and hasn’t been cleared to practice with the team yet. Juluke is looking forward to getting Carroll back in the fold but there isn’t a clear timetable for when that might be.

“He’s doing really well, you know, he’s progressing. He might be a little ahead, but I’m not 100% on that, but he has a long road to go. But he’s doing well. He’s got good spirits,” Juluke said. “He’s been a leader, also, with those young guys, helping them out as best as he can right now. He can get a little frustrated, so I’m trying to be as positive with him as I possibly can and make sure that his mental capacity is still there, his psychic, once he does have the opportunity to get back out there and be able to perform at a high level.”