Florida’s four headed running attack is now down to three.
Running back Jordan Cronkrite is set to transfer out of Florida, and he will not play in the Outback Bowl against Iowa. His departure likely opens the door for the Gators to add another tailback to the 2017 class, along with Malik Davis.
Cronkrite had a featured role with the Gators in 2015, serving as the change of pace back in short yardage and goal line situations. Most notably, Cronkrite saved Treon Harris and the Gators against South Carolina, snatching what looked to be a surefire interception away from a defender and taking it in for a touchdown in what turned out to be a 24-14 win.
But with LaMical Perine and Mark Thompson added to the mix in 2016, plus the simultaneous emergence of Jordan Scarlett, Cronkrite’s role decreased as the season went along. Cronkrite tallied just five carries for 33 yards in the Gators’ last five games, and it became clear that there was simply not enough room on the roster for four featured backs, and so the decision to transfer for more playing time makes sense.
I talk to Cronkrite a fair bit, and can tell you that he’s a genuinely good kid with a great sense of humor and a strong head on his shoulders. And he’s a tough runner who will put his head down and try to run through the side of a truck if you tell him to. So even though the move makes a lot of sense on both ends, it’s still sad to see him go, and I wish him nothing but the best.
