Florida Gators position reevaluation: Running Backs

Unacceptable. 

For Florida's running backs so far in 2019, the performance has simply been unacceptable. There really is not much else to say, but we write things here at GatorMaven, so let's get after it. I have given the top three backs that wear orange and blue a grade five games in:

Lamical Perine: C-

Would anyone have guessed that UF would be 5-0 and Perine would have less than 200 rushing yards? Does anyone think the Gators have any prayer of beating Auburn, LSU or Georgia when their No. 1 RB averages 3.7 yards per carry? 

Less than 200 yards five games in is statistically worthy of an F. I didn't give him that because I have watched this offensive line attempt to run block. The failure to get any push up front makes me give him the benefit of the doubt. And while Perine hasn't gotten the job done in the run game, he's drastically improved as a receiver and is a dependable pass blocker.

Dameon Pierce: B+

Pierce has been by far the most impressive back up to this point. Granted, he gets more carries late in games and has gotten big runs in second halves against FCS teams Towson and UT-Martin. However, that does not change the fact that Pierce has averaged 2.2 more yards per carry than Perine, and has only 40 fewer yards on half the carries. 

The reason, I believe, is that for this struggling offensive line, Pierce is better at simply making it work. He can fight for an extra 2-3 yards better than Perine and this season - that literally means twice the yards on the play sometimes. Perine's two-yard runs are often four-yard runs for Pierce. Give the man more carries, he has earned it. 

Malik Davis: F

I hate this so much because I have always been really high on Davis, but we can't ignore his inability to be effective at all. Eighteen carries may not be a ton, but it is far too big of a sample size to average 2.8 yards a carry. Davis needs space to be successful. He is at his best in the open field, and with this offensive line, the open field is a rare find. 

I don't think his 2019 campaign can officially be declared useless, but until this offensive line finds a way open up lanes in their zone blocking, Davis does not deserve any important carries. 

Obviously, I am low on this group right now and I know that I am not alone. I do understand that it is not all on them, but all three certainly could bring something more than they currently are. In fact, they have to in order to beat Auburn, LSU and Georgia.