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The Rise of Florida's 2-1 Punch:

Discussion in 'RayGator's Swamp Gas' started by gatorviktorrhys, Sep 8, 2024.

  1. gatorviktorrhys

    gatorviktorrhys Recruit

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    Football is brimming with captivating tales. Some are derived from the games, while others are a reflection of the players themselves. For the Florida Gators, a new chapter is unfolding, one driven by two rising stars:

    DJ Lagway, the second-string quarterback, and Montrell Johnson Jr., the top running back. And it just so happens that Lagway wears number 2, while Johnson Jr. wears number 1. Together, they’re shaping up to be Florida’s 2-1 punch, a combination that brings both talent and excitement to the field.

    DJ Lagway has been eagerly anticipating his time to shine. As the second-string quarterback, Lagway has dedicated himself to honing his skills, constantly improving, and preparing for the moment he would be called upon. That number, by the way, is 2, which is a perfect fit as he rises to compete for the starting role. With current starter Graham Mertz in place, Lagway understands the importance of seizing rare opportunities and being prepared when they arise.

    And Lagway is. He is not just a mere backup; he is the one who steps up when the moment calls for it, ready to seize the opportunity. Being second string can sometimes make one feel unnoticed, but Lagway sees it as an opportunity to showcase his skills. Just like his jersey number implies, he is always prepared to step up and become the top player when the moment arrives.

    On the other side of this dynamic duo is Montrell Johnson Jr., Florida's top running back, who happens to wear the number 1. Johnson has already established himself as an exceptional player, dominating the field with his explosive runs and game-altering plays. When you pair him with Lagway, the connection between the two is simply irresistible.

    Together, these two are destined to create something extraordinary.

    Lagway, exuding an aura of power and confidence, complements Johnson Jr.'s seasoned expertise, resulting in a perfect synergy within the team. It is the type of connection that can keep defenses on their toes and ignite explosive plays at any given moment.

    The 2-1 Punch: Beyond the Numbers

    However, this goes beyond the mere digits displayed on their uniforms. The 2-1 punch embodies a formidable blend of strong leadership and exceptional execution. Lagway, stepping into a more prominent position, is the quarterback who has the ability to make things happen. Johnson Jr., the formidable and powerful running back, is always ready to seize every opportunity. The connection between a quarterback and a running back is vital for the triumph of any team, and this dynamic duo has the potential to elevate the Gators' offense to new heights.

    For Florida, this signifies a significant shift beyond a mere change in starters or lineup. It is about creating a collaboration that seamlessly achieves desired outcomes. The 2-1 punch is powerful, commanding, and brimming with possibilities.

    This was the footage that I saw. I hope to make it to a game or two soon.

     
    Last edited: Sep 8, 2024
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  2. ETGator

    ETGator Long-Time Gator Stuck In East Tennessee Moderator VIP Member

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    Welcome to Swamp Gas and Gator Country!

    Since you're brand new, I need to ask whether you wrote this post or copied-and-pasted? We have to be very careful about copyright rules.
     
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  3. Wanne15

    Wanne15 GC Hall of Fame

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    Holy crap, you can’t play foolsball talkin like that.
     
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  4. senecagator

    senecagator Sophomore

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    You lost me at In football...
     
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  5. freedomgator

    freedomgator GC Hall of Fame

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    Did an AI write this? The Hegelian dialectic doesn't add anything to the analysis here.
     
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  6. ETGator

    ETGator Long-Time Gator Stuck In East Tennessee Moderator VIP Member

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    That's what I suspected. We'll see. We've had a lot of bots hitting Gator Country recently. This one is different and more sophisticated, if so.

    Edit: Never mind. LOL! :)
     
    Last edited: Sep 8, 2024
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  7. vaxcardinal

    vaxcardinal GC Hall of Fame

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    Too many words to read, I’ll just wait for the video
     
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  8. gatorviktorrhys

    gatorviktorrhys Recruit

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    No haha.

    I just wanted to throw that in there. Use a bit of outside knowledge outside of the scope of football. I want to make sure though that the focus is on football. Haha.
     
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  9. gatorviktorrhys

    gatorviktorrhys Recruit

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    hahaha
     
  10. crl

    crl GC Legend

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    Johnson? You've got to be kidding. Wilson I'd buy.
     
  11. gatorviktorrhys

    gatorviktorrhys Recruit

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    Let me edit
    Wilson was incredible by the way.

    I think he's NFL-caliber

    1st round talent

    (I chose Johnson because of his jersey #, but the focus is on Lagway)
     
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  12. nawlinsgator

    nawlinsgator GC Hall of Fame

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    I think we under appreciate Montrell Johnson. The kid had over a thousand total yards last year splitting snaps with Ettiene. He just had surgery on his knee and came back to play less than 30 days later. He was the only offensive bright spot in the Miami game.
    Don't take production for granted. We had some years here with really crappy RB play.
     
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  13. maxgator

    maxgator GC Hall of Fame

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    Honestly, we've had very productive RBs at Florida
    2024-2022 Montrell 1831 5.5 avg
    2021-2017 Malik Davis (never got to where I thought he could) 1470 5.2
    2021-2018 Damien Pierce 1806 5.5
    2019-2016 Perine 2485 5.0
    2018-2015 Scarlett1846 5.5
    2015-2013 Kelvin Taylor (never fumbled as a Gator) 2108 4.3
    2014-2012 Matt Jones 1431 4.8
    2012-2009 Mike Gillislee 2072 5.3
    2011-2007 Rainey/Demps - Demps 2470 6.7 Rainey 2464 6.2

    All of those were drafted and played multiple years. It goes without saying that we have two of the top 10 rb in nfl history (the great Emmitt and Fast Freddy Taylor) as well as the great haul from the 80s of neal anderson, John L williams, james jones and lorenzo hampton. All 4 of those were on the team at the same time (1982) and together accounted for about 10,000 yards for the Gators. I need to specifically mention our all time leading rusher Errict Rhett and of course EG.

    So, when was it that we had really crappy RB at Florida??
     
    Last edited: Sep 9, 2024
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  14. Gatorrick22

    Gatorrick22 GC Hall of Fame

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    Cool... but the 1-2 punch only works when our QB2 plays.
     
    Last edited: Sep 9, 2024
  15. nawlinsgator

    nawlinsgator GC Hall of Fame

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    I love our boys as much as you guys do....but a lot of the times we were barely in the middle of the pack as far as rushing rankings nationally.
    Putting names and faces to it doesn't change that.
     
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  16. Gatorrick22

    Gatorrick22 GC Hall of Fame

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    You, sir, are obviously not drinking enough Kool-Aid.
     
  17. Spurffelbow833

    Spurffelbow833 GC Hall of Fame

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    Let's petition the NCAA to allow them to wear 1A and 1B.
     
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  18. cron78

    cron78 GC Hall of Fame

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    1-2-3, 2-1-3, or 3-2-1; any way you slice it, this is a great trio of talent for the Gators.
     
  19. maxgator

    maxgator GC Hall of Fame

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    And yet, you cite Montrell as a back that we should appreciate. The stats I gave you, and the names and faces that go along with them, were just as good as Montrell at least on a ypc average.


    Rushing rankings are mostly a function of offense philosophy. Obviously, Napier is a huge rushing offense guy. Mullen on the other hand was not.

    I very much appreciate Montrell but don't think that we've had crappy rbs... Unless you want to answer my question and tell me which ones. The stats bears that out. The fact that they were all drafted by the NFL does too.
     
  20. nawlinsgator

    nawlinsgator GC Hall of Fame

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    Have it your way, my friend. RB play has been stellar here since Rainey, if that's what you want to believe.