Keep Kadarius Toney In Check
One of the mysteries surrounding Florida’s offense early on this season is the inability to get Kadarius Toney the football. Yes, Toney was suspended the first game of the season, but there is zero reason why the sophomore shouldn’t have six touches through two games. Toney has home run potential and should touch the football at least 10 times per game.
With Malik Davis breaking his foot and being lost for the season, I wonder if Toney is given some touches in the running game to help take the pressure off Jordan Scarlett, Dameon Pierce, and Lamical Perine. All three backs are capable of carrying the load, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Toney used in something akin to the Wildcat in order to get him more touches.
Florida rushed for 203 yards in the season-opener against Charleston Southern and had nine rushes of 10-plus yards. Pierce leads a Florida rushing attack that ranks 9th in the SEC, averaging 185.0 yards per game. The true freshman has rushed for 162 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries while Scarlett leads the group with 19 carries for 105 yards. Franks leads the team in rushing attempts on the season with 23 and has over 100 yards himself on the ground.
Even if Toney isn’t used to bolster the running game, Tennessee will see plenty of him in the slot. It’s important that the Vols always have eyes on him, as Toney is a home run waiting to happen.
It’ll be interesting to see who Pruitt uses to defend Toney. Does Shamburger receive the task, or does Pruitt put his money on veteran Micah Abernathy? Regardless of which Vol draws the assignment of slowing Toney down, Tennessee will have to keep the game-changer in check.
