The Florida Gators are expected to pull no punches this season under new head coach Jon Sumrall and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, with the two expected to deploy All-SEC running back Jadan Baugh in wildcat packages.
"Oh yeah, I'm ready. Full package," star running back Jadan Baugh said Tuesday. When asked if we will see him attempt passes, he said, "Y'all will see."
Baugh is an exceptional talent and has not been a stranger to lining up under center; Pro Football Focus recorded that the dynamic back has logged 17 snaps as a quarterback throughout his collegiate career.
Florida's running back did admit to not running the formation much during the Billy Napier era, as the Wildcat was only used on 32 plays over 50 games in the last four years.
Instead, most of the senior backs got their experience in high school as elite do-it-all athletes playing out wide, safety, and even returning kicks. In his senior year of preparatory ball, Baugh also attempted 15 passes, completing six of them for 80 yards.
"Coach put the ball in my hand and just let us go," Baugh stated.
Evan Pryor, Baugh's presumptive backup, sees their situations playing out similarly and explained that he hasn't practiced the Wildcat since amateur football. He also credited the 6-foot-1-inch back's physical ability and what makes him great.
"It doesn't get more physically gifted than Jadan Baugh," Pryor stated during fall camp. "Him just breaking down the details of it and everything, it's only gonna help him to be even greater."
Last season, Baugh totaled 767 yards after contact and ranked No. 7 among all Power Four running backs, as well as forcing 65 missed tackles, which ranked No. 5, per PFF.
All eyes will be on the nationally recognized running back, even with Pryor incorporated into the scheme as well; however, Baugh expects his opponents to be prepared for him whenever he lines up under center, because he'll be prepared for them.
"A bunch of eyes. Everybody's gonna know who's getting the ball. Everybody's gonna know that I'm running the ball," Baugh said. "And I personally feel like y'all better strap that helmet up because I am too."
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida OC Buster Faulkner preparing Jadan Baugh to do it all
