Ranking the Top 5 Florida Gator Running Backs of All-Time
#1 Emmitt Smith (1987-1989)
Taking the top spot on my list is the legendary Emmitt Smith. Playing at Florida in-between the Williams/Anderson and Rhett eras, Smith was a force to be reckoned with. In his three-year Gator career, he rushed for 36 touchdowns (the most on this list) while accumulating 3,928 rushing yards. Had he stayed for his senior year, Smith most likely would have scored over 40 rushing touchdowns and led this list in rushing yards.
Throughout his collegiate career, Smith played on mostly mediocre Gator teams. He was able to notch just one bowl victory, which came during his sophomore year in the 1988 All-American Bowl. Regardless, the team’s overall record and bowl performances casted a very small shadow on Smith’s individual performances. Some of the awards and honors that he garnered include:
- First Team All-SEC in 1987, 1988, and 1989
- MVP of 1988 All-American Bowl
- All-American in 1989
- SEC MVP in 1989
- UF Hall of Fame inductee in 1999
- College Football Hall of Fame inductee in 2006
- Inducted into the UF Ring of Honor in 2006 (with Steve Spurrier & Danny Wuerffel)
After his junior year, Smith declared for the 1990 NFL Draft and was selected 17th overall by the Dallas Cowboys. He went on to have a phenomenal 14-year NFL career that included three Super Bowl titles, a Super Bowl MVP, and eight Pro Bowls. Smith also currently holds the NFL career records for rushing yards (18,355) and rushing touchdowns (164). He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2010.
Arguably one of the most talented and successful running backs to ever set foot on the gridiron, there is no doubt in my mind that Emmitt Smith is the best Florida Gator running back of all-time.
*All stats accredited to Gatorzone.com, College Football @ Sports-Reference.com, & NFL.com