What scouts want to see from Jadan Baugh to bounce back in Florida-Texas clash

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Texas quarterback Arch Manning watched his NFL Draft stock take a personal hit against Oklahoma. Florida football star running back Jadan Baugh, though, has endured his own struggles. Two straight weeks to be exact before the Florida versus Texas clash on Saturday.

While Manning continues to draw NFL eyes and spark conversations on if he should stay, Baugh will aim to re-boost his stock.

Baugh rose to national prominence as the Gators exploded past the top 15. He captured the nation’s attention by scoring 11 touchdowns in the first four games and surpassing 100 yards in each one.

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But Baugh’s numbers have hit quite the decline. He’s mustered only 72 rushing yards while scoring only once in the last two games.

So here’s how Baugh can regain interest from NFL scouts.

Rediscover zone-running vision

Missouri and South Carolina took that element away.

Before both losses, Baugh broke off runs like this that created a one-on-one between him and the safety. And the advantage swung Baugh’s way.

However, Baugh and Florida’s offensive line struggled with Missouri’s strength up front. But largely because the Tigers threw out three defensive tackles to plug gaps and frustrate Baugh. Mizzou also made sure to send at least two defenders to bottle Baugh.

South Carolina rode with a similar approach in crowding the line of scrimmage and beefing up the middle. Even allowing natural 6-foot-4, 291-pound defensive tackle Tomiwa Durojaiye to crash down as a edge rusher to seal outside lanes.

Texas brings the personnel that can mimic what Mizzou and the Gamecocks did. The Longhorns won’t throw out a passive game plan to counter Baugh.

So Baugh, plus his offensive line and coach Jon Sumrall must find a way to spread out a beefier defensive line. Baugh can resort back to attacking defenses in space. Or even take advantage of when Texas doesn’t run with a three defensive tackle look.

Improve versatility, even without the ball

Another words, Baugh must show his impact without handling carries or receiving duties.

He’s brought suspect blocking once teams blitz the gut. NFL teams want more than just a game breaking back who can wear down defenses. Or even create mismatches on the receiving end.

Texas will test Baugh too on third and longs when Florida keeps him on the field. He must become consistent at lowering his shoulder and preventing a scramble or sack.

How Baugh really ignites NFL Draft stock

The Longhorns surface as the best run defense Baugh will face. Even Ohio State with 1,000-yard rusher Bo Jackson struggled to surpass 100 yards. Oklahoma never scaled past 100 yards either.

Baugh shredding this Texas defense will reignite day one of the draft chatter. Scouts and even general managers will see a back who rises up against elite defenses. But only if Florida gets the version of Baugh the Gators saw from the first four games of the season.

Saturday feels like the perfect game for Baugh to catapult back into the first round conversation. But it’s also his hardest challenge yet compared to Missouri and South Carolina.

Related: Oregon dealt a WR injury blow ahead of Nebraska clash

Related: Arch Manning urged to return to Texas, turn down 2027 NFL Draft by expert