Trevor Etienne

Etienne essentially split carries with Montrell Johnson a season ago, though both backs achieved some level of success in 2022. Etienne proved to be a bit more of a big-play threat, averaging 6.1 yards per carry as compared to 5.4 yards per tote for Johnson. However, Johnson found the end zone 10 times on the ground, while Etienne scored on just six occasions. Neither back did much damage in the passing game, though that is an area that Etienne should improve on based upon his genetics as well as the fact that a pocket passer has been brought in to replace Anthony Richardson. Richardson was a dangerous, dynamic dual-threat quarterback, while his replacement Graham Mertz will be largely stationary. That being said, teams could also try to load the box against Etienne and Johnson and force Mertz to prove he can beat opposing defenses with his arm. Mertz was inconsistent during his time at Wisconsin. Regardless, the Gators will still rely on a heavy dose of the running game, and Etienne will play a crucial role in that regard.