NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
Florida football coach Billy Napier gave an encouraging update on the status of running back Montrell Johnson Jr. heading into the final week of fall camp before the Florida Gators season opener Aug. 31 against Miami.
“Montrell is doing fantastic,” Napier said. “He’s been able to do a few things. We expect him to be able to participate in practice, whether that’s modified and at some point, full speed.”
The 5-foot-11, 216-pound Johnson, projected as a preseason All-SEC first and second team running back by various publications, had his knee scoped following the first weekend of fall camp earlier this month.
Johnson’s return would give the Gators an experienced, proven running back for their critical season-opening matchup against the Hurricanes. A senior, Johnson rushed for 817 yards on 5.4 yards per carry and 5 TDs last season and has rushed for more than 2,400 yards in his college career.
But Napier has been pleased with the progress of the other four scholarship running backs behind Johnson. Sophomore Treyaun Webb has the most experience, but JUCO transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson, true freshman Jadan Baugh and true freshman KD Daniels have all flashed throughout fall camp. Baugh had a TD run during Florida football’s second scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday.
“Treyaun Webb has game experience, and I trust him – he’s by far the best protector,” Napier said. “He’s tough, he’s durable, he’s smart. But also standing back there behind it, and I’m watching Jadan Baugh an Ja’Kobi and KD in these two scrimmages, we feel good about that room.”
A better scrimmage for Florida football defense
Napier said it was a “much better” second scrimmage for the Florida defense.
“Less mental errors,” Napier said. “I think the run fits were polished up and better. Think that we did a good job playing red zone defense, and we got some…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-football-coach-billy-napier-020807653.html
Author : The Gainesville Sun
Publish date : 2024-08-20 02:08:07
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
