Jadan Baugh talks historic performance vs. FSU, season-long dominance

Jadan Baugh had a night to remember against FSU, rushing for 266 yards — the second most in Florida history — and becoming the 10th Gator to hit the 1,000-yard mark.

He entered the press room still carrying the ball, smiling from ear to ear. That makes sense, considering his season-long dominance has him on the same list as legendary Florida running backs Emmitt Smith and Fred Taylor.

Baugh admitted that personal goals were not on his radar before the season and credited his teammates and coaches for his development into a thousand-yard rusher. He deflected any questions focused on his future with Florida, noting that he prefers to live in the moment.

All of this was said before Jon Sumrall was officially announced as Florida's next coach. Sumrall's first priority, beyond assembling a staff, should be retaining Baugh.

Here's everything the sophomore running back said on Saturday:

On Being Listed Among Gator Greats

"Like I told the radio earlier, I'm doing something right. Being in a category with those guys is just amazing. I don't think I've wrapped my head around it yet. But being able to shoot for a standard, I feel like they did a job when they were here, and it put me in a position to not just shoot for that."

On Coach Gonzalez's Influence and Game Preparation

"Just prepare the right way. Coach Gonzales was coaching me very hard, not just on the offense side of the ball, even in the special teams part, because he's been there with us. He critiques a lot of things to just make us better, and I feel like just having him around, being able to get coached by him, was a great opportunity."

On scoring a late touchdown to make a statement

"Shoot, Coach told me, 'Don't score here.' He told me to slide. I was like, Coach, come on, don't do me like that. Let's go, because we don't like those guys. So, I feel like it was good for our team to just score at the end of the game."

On rushing for the most yards in a Florida-FSU rivalry game

"I don't think I've too much wrapped my head around it yet. Tomorrow it'll be very eye-opening. I haven't wrapped my head around it."

On starting the game strong

"Well, it started on Sunday, going into the facility, understanding every day, getting past the loss we took, and focusing on a mission. Just understanding that we still have a mission to finish out the season."

On winning games where Baugh gets 20 or more carries

"I think I have a great impact, but also it's not just me on the field. It's the tight end, the O-line, the receivers, the quarterback. Having all those guys around me, I feel like we're one of the best teams in the country when we're clear."

On Physicality and Workload

"Honestly, it's just preparing the right way. Last week, me going to the facility, standing in the treatment room, stretching outside of the facility, doing the right things to get my body prepared for situations like this."

On Strength and Preparation

"Yeah, like I've been saying. Being in the offseason, preparing in the right way, just getting my body ready for games like this and a season like we had. I just feel like being as strong as I am, it helps me going through the season."

On 1,000 yards being a personal goal

"Honestly, I'm not going to lie, I didn't think too much about it. I was more focused on becoming a better leader, being a great teammate for the guys that surround me, and understanding the game a lot more."

On Coaching Change and Future Focus

"I ain't too much thought about it. More of just finishing the season. Being there with my guys because we've been here since day one. Being here with Coach Nape, with him bringing us in and putting the trust into me and the guys that surround me, I feel like that helped me in the situation and to just enjoy the moment."

On Staying Present and Enjoying the Moment

"Yeah. I'll be fully focused on the moment because life is short. So focusing on the moment and enjoying everything in front of me feels like the way to go."

On Sending Seniors Out on a High Note

"(It means) Everything to me, honestly, because that's what Coach preached all week. They put in blood, sweat and tears every day. They didn't have an off day; it was about them trying to improve every day."

On support from Ja'Kobi Jackson and Coach Jabbar Juluke

"Ja'Kobi came to the sideline, I think around halftime, he was like, bro, you got to get in the box. You can't keep running the ball and not get in the box. He pushes me every day, even when he's not on the field. He pushes me every day to be the best person I can.

"Coach Juluke is one of the best running back coaches in America, and I feel that heavy. Him just talking to me every day, pushing me the right way, I feel that made me into the player I am today."

On Running Back Experience

"This is my second full year. Even going back to high school, I played more receiver, but this is my second year."

On Impression Made on Incoming coach

"Oh yeah, definitely. I always try to play my hardest because you never know who's watching. I was always taught that from growing up. First impressions are your last impression. I was always taught that."

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football RB Jadan Baugh post-game quotes after FSU win