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Gators RB Jadan Baugh has already taken next step into superstardom
Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

The Florida Gators have had a long line of talented running backs have great careers, and the next one up is Jadan Baugh.

As a true freshman, Baugh wasn't expected to be a major factor, but he got an opportunity when Treyaun Webb went down with a season-ending injury. He went on to lead the Gators in rushing ahead of outgoing senior Montrell Johnson Jr. with 673 yards and seven touchdowns on a team-high 133 carries.

Jadan Baugh dominates Long Island

It was always supposed to be an easy win for the Gators in the season opener, as they dominated Long Island 55-0. It wasn't just that they won the game; the Gators held the Sharks to 89 yards and committed zero penalties. Early on in the game, the biggest factor for the Gators was the running game, which was led by Baugh.

He was dominant on the night, rushing just nine times but logging a whopping 104 yards and a touchdown. He's got a better sense of identifying and attacking the hole. He ran down the Sharks' defense with ease, as his power and contact balance stood out.

It was very evident on his touchdown run, when two Sharks hit Baugh low and they bounced right off of him, as he jogged into the end zone.

Only a true sophomore, Baugh already looks ready for the National Football League. He's got exactly what you want from a running back in power, good vision, and contact balance.

With DJ Lagway sharing the backfield with Baugh, it allows the Gators to run a lot of varied concepts, including read-options and RPOs to maximize what they can do on the ground. This could be the start of an All-American season for Baugh, and he's got at least one more season in Gainesville after this.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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