Mike Blakely, Manatee Running Back, Chooses Florida Over Auburn

The Florida rushing attack just hasn’t been the same this season without the presence of bulldozing quarterback Tim Tebow. Urban Meyer’s offense currently ranks 10th in the SEC with just 142 rushing yards per game, and there’s only been one running back on the team, sophomore Mike Gillislee, who's scored more than two rushing touchdowns.

The Gators run game seems to have gotten a major boost today when Manatee (FL) running back Mike Blakely finally made his decision known to the world that he would indeed be playing his college ball in Gainesville.

Blakely, who is rated as a 4-star prospect and one of the 10 best at his position by both Scout and Rivals recruiting services, was reportedly down to two choices, Auburn and Florida.

The Florida native apparently liked what he saw when he visited Auburn for their game with Clemson in September, but it wasn’t enough to sway him from staying in state and playing for the Gators.

It will be interesting to see how Blakely fits into Meyer’s offensive plans next year. The Gators lose senior Emmanuel Moody, but will likely return a strong stable of backs led by the speedy Jeff Demps and surging sophomore Mike Gillislee, not to mention last year’s star recruit Mack Brown, who has only had three carries so far in his first season with the team.

Blakely is more of a power back than the smaller, quicker players that Meyer traditionally likes to utilize in his spread attack, so he could add a versatile element to the offense similar to what we’ve seen at Auburn with freshman running back Michael Dyer.

He can also be used effectively as a receiver out of the backfield, which will only further enhance his value.

Blakely broke onto the scene last year after rushing for 1,400 yards and scoring 23 total touchdowns during his junior year. So far this season, the senior has rushed for over 500 yards and scored 12 touchdowns even though he’s had to sit out two games with an ankle injury.