Florida Football: Five mild predictions for the Gators in 2023

Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) looks to throw during the second half during the Florida Gators Orange and Blue Spring Game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, April 13, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]Ncaa Football Florida Gators Orange Blue Spring Game /

3 of 5

Florida Gators running back Trevor Etienne (7) rushes with the ball during the second half against the Georgia Bulldogs at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, October 29, 2022. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]Ncaa Football Florida Gators Vs Georgia Bulldogs /

Florida Football Mild Predictions: Trevor Etienne will enter 2025 on NFL Draft watchlists

It may be cheating to call this a mild prediction, considering we referenced this in our bold predictions, but Trevor Etienne has the potential to be a breakout star nationally this season.

But it is not insane to believe that Florida will be a run-first team, and Montrell Johnson and Etienne were a top-ten running back duo as it was last season.

Given the family pedigree that Etienne has, if he improves upon his great freshman season, it isn’t insane to think he will pop up on NFL Draft lists heading into the 2025 season.

Much like Mertz though, if the offensive line is a disaster, it could inhibit Etienne’s ability to break out.

Granted, even with the disastrous performance of the offensive line at the Spring Game, Etienne still ran for 52 yards off nine carries, an average of 5.7 yards per carry.

Home/Florida Gators Football