The Gators have depth at almost every position on the field and the running back spot is no exception. While some of these guys (Jeff Demps and Brandon James) will be trying to fill the so-called “Percy” position of hybrid WR/RB, we will throw them in here because they are listed as running backs. This collection of players has explosiveness, shiftiness, pass-catching ability, and the most speed of any position group on any team in the nation.

The guy who will get the starting nod looks to be sophomore Jeff Demps. Demps is considered the fastest player in college football based on his other career as a track star. Last season Demps ran for 605 yards and 7 touchdowns in addition to 141 yards receiving and one touchdown through the air. He was an SEC-All freshman selection and started the BCS national championship game at the running back position. Demps has also put on some weight which is great for the Gators. Last year he went down pretty easily when tackles and the extra muscle he has put on is reminiscent of the work Percy did in the weight room after his freshman campaign.

Senior Brandon James has been widely known as one of the best return men in the country, but this year he should see a lot more time on offense. He will be a hybrid guy just like Demps and see the ball in many different ways. He was the guy who filled in for the “Percy” role when Harvin was hurt last season. He wasn’t all that effective, but he certainly can be. James is a leader on the team and will be a dependable guy on offense this season.

I believe that Emmanuel Moody will emerge from the Urban Meyer doghouse and become our most well rounded and traditional type tailback. Moody adds size and power that the other guys don’t have, yet he isn’t lacking in speed either. The 2006 Pac-10 offensive freshman of the year (he transferred from USC) ran for over 400 yards in mostly garbage duty last year, but this season I see him getting the ball in more of the short yardage situations that Tebow has taken over in the past. Moody is the only true tailback on the team and with the offense going under center more this year he should see the ball much more often if he can stay healthy.

Another speed guy the Gators have in their arsenal is junior Chris Rainey. Rainey has shown flashes of brilliance with his quickness and elusive moves, but he has failed to be consistent. He has struggled breaking tackles and finding holes on an every down basis, but has made a couple highlight reel worthy plays. The strength staff still believes he needs to put on about 20 pounds to be an effective SEC back. That being said, Rainey is still a special talent and he will find a way to contribute in Meyer’s many offensive packages.

Other guys who could see the field are spring sensation junior Christopher Scott and tue freshman Mike Gilleslee. Scott is a well rounded back who has the size and speed to be effective at 5’11 212 pounds. In the spring he was arguably the best back on the team and truly impressed the coaches. Gilleslee is a highly touted freshman who also has the chance to be a solid complete back, although he probably won’t see much time with all the depth at tailback.

The running backs look primed for a big year with the pure speed of Demps, the shiftiness of Brandon James, the well rounded skills of Moody, and the quickness of Rainey. They will get the ball in many different ways and should be highly effective. Moody and Demps will both have huge years and take some pressure off of Tebow.

Ben Pettito is a columnist for GatorTailgating.com