Florida football: Gator underclassmen with the most impact

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 19: Jacob Copeland #15 of the Florida Gators makes a catch over Dakereon Joyner #7 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 19, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 19: Jacob Copeland #15 of the Florida Gators makes a catch over Dakereon Joyner #7 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 19, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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GAINESVILLE, FL- SEPTEMBER 21: Dameon Pierce #27 of the Florida Gators rushes for a ten yard touchdown during the second half of the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL- SEPTEMBER 21: Dameon Pierce #27 of the Florida Gators rushes for a ten yard touchdown during the second half of the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

3. Dameon Pierce, So.

Florida football running back Dameon Pierce has been one of the running sparks the Gators have been looking for.

While Perine gets a lot of attention, it’s Pierce that has generated a lot of buzz with his ability to gash defensive lines for 5+ yards after the initial point of attack.

Check out this 75-yarder from Saturday’s win:

While Perine still has the team lead with 474 rushing yards, Pierce had added 248 yards and three touchdowns — in all fairness, he missed a game with an injury.

He is a reliable running back that, like Pitts, seems to be getting better with each game.

And, he’s quickly establishing himself as the perennial front-runner to be the starting running back for Florida football next season.