Matt Jones has staked his claim to Florida’s starting tailback spot.
After being used sparingly behind Mike Gillislee last season, he used a productive spring to distance himself from freshman Kelvin Taylor and junior Mack Brown.
Jones was so prolific during Florida’s 14 spring practices that coach Will Muschamp was economic with the sophomore during the Gators’ spring game on Saturday, opting instead to take a closer look at Brown and Taylor, as well as walk-on Mark Herndon.
“Matt didn’t do a whole lot today, and that was by design,” Muschamp said. “We wanted to get Kelvin and Mack and Mark some touches. Matt’s had a really outstanding spring. We have a good comfort level of where he is as a player.”
Given the number of injuries Florida has dealt with along the offensive line, the Gators sprinkled in multiple drills in addition to six scrimmage periods on Saturday.
Jones was a light participant in the drills and had an unofficial carry for 8 yards during the first scrimmage period. Otherwise, the 6-foot-2 sophomore did not see much work.
“I had a strong spring, and also they wanted to get some of the young guys a lot of reps,” Jones said.
“They kind of took it easy on me today.”
Taylor responded well in his debut at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. He unofficially carried the ball 11 times for 59 yards and a touchdown, while also adding a 3-yard catch.
Herndon added a touchdown as well.
Jones said he has looked to mentor Taylor as the freshman continues to develop a better understanding of his responsibilities on the field and his playbook knowledge.
Last year, Jones sought the advice of Gillislee as he adjusted to the college game.
“Me and him will watch film all the time together,” Jones said of his relationship with Taylor.
“We teach each other how we run the ball, what we missed on this play, (and) the concept of the play.”
Although Muschamp has spoken at length about the importance of becoming balanced offensively, Florida’s rushing attack will be pivotal to its success again next season.
Florida finished 11-2 in 2012-13 largely because of its ground attack, which finished third in the Southeastern Conference with 187.7 yards per game.
Jones, who carried the ball just 52 times for 275 yards and three touchdowns, will step into the role vacated by Gillislee’s departure for the NFL.
“He’s going to be huge for us,” junior quarterback Jeff Driskel said.
“He’s a guy who can run hard and break away when he’s in the open field. He’s also great at pass protecting. He knows his assignments well, and he’s good when he gets in space running check-down routes or option routes.
“He’s definitely a versatile guy that we’re going to have to rely a lot this year like we did with Mike last year.”
Jones added: “It made me humble and definitely hungry sitting behind Mike. … It was probably the best move I ever could have did. Not even starting over him. I wanted to sit behind him to learn how he ran the ball.”
Contact Phil Heilman at pheilman@alligator.org.
Freshman running back Kelvin Taylor (21) scores a touchdown during drills at the Orange and Blue Debut on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
