Stacy Gage Intrigued by Florida's Potential Three RB Recruiting Class

Florida has put together arguably the top tandem of committed running backs in the nation as Chauncey Bowens and Kahnen Daniels are entrenched within the Gators' haul of 2024 prospects. 

But could UF add a third future member to its running back room? The idea isn't all that far-fetched.

In fact, the possibility was mentioned to Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas 2024 running back Stacy Gage during his most recent trip to Gainesville, for UF's Orange and Blue spring scrimmage last Thursday. 

The topic came up in his post-game conversation with Jabbar Juluke, who oversees Gage's position for the Gators. Such a decision will, ultimately, be based on Montrell Johnson Jr.'s future with the team as he will become NFL Draft-eligible later this year. A rising sixth-year senior, Cam Carroll will have exhausted his collegiate eligibility by the end of the 2023 season, too. 

"They might take another back. It depends on if Montrell leaves for the draft next year or not," Gage told All Gators after Florida's spring game. "They're still looking for that third back and, you know, it looks nice." 

Gage isn't the only prospect Florida has teased the potential plan to. Milledgeville (Ga.) Baldwin's Micah Welch was informed similarly in February, before Daniels' April pledge. 

Credence has been lent to the theory now that two backs are committed and the Gators continue to do their homework on additional prospects at the position. Gage is one of them, having now visited the program five times under head coach Billy Napier's leadership.

How would Gage, the No. 13 running back in the class of 2024 per the 247Sports composite rankings, feel about joining such a crowded room of young talents?  

"It's no big deal to me. I love competition. Competition never scared me in the least," Gage said. "Shoot, three backs is nothing to me. It's just like having no backs there."

A noted fan of Florida's rushing attack with Napier at the helm, Gage was encouraged by the running back performances he observed during the spring game. 

Freshman Treyaun Webb's quick infusion — a scrimmage-high 11 carries and 53 yards — was inspiring from Gage's perspective, while Johnson and fellow bell cow back Trevor Etienne's combined 5.44 yards per rush was to be expected after the duo combined for 1,560 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2022. 

'They didn't surprise me," Gage remarked of Johnson and Etienne. "The backs are wonderful."

Florida has positioned itself well within Gage's recruitment to remain a contender for his services moving forward. Gage intends to visit the program again before making a college commitment ahead of his senior season of prep ball.

He's "locked in" official visits to Oklahoma and Colorado, as well.

Gage is freshly removed from a 704-yard, 14-touchdown season at Tampa (Fla.) Wharton entering his debut campaign at St. Thomas Aquinas. He began his high school career at Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy and was a regular varsity contributor as a sophomore.