A week after becoming the first player in school history to score touchdowns rushing, receiving and on a return, Rainey was even better in Florida’s 39-0 victory against UAB on Saturday night. He ran 16 times for 119 yards and a touchdown, caught three passes for 43 yards and added to his growing resume.
“Just doing my job, just trying to score touchdowns for the team,” Rainey said.
Spins, jukes, ankle-breaking cuts, Rainey did it all for the Gators (2-0). His best move came on his final run. He turned at full speed and dived across the end zone backward, capping a 19-yard run in style and ending his night with a touchdown.
A fifth-year senior trying to overhaul his image after last year’s five-game suspension, Rainey gouged the Blazers (0-1) for chunks of yardage nearly every time he touched the ball.
“He is extremely electric with the ball in his hands and a lot of fun to watch,” Florida coach Will Muschamp said. “You watch him compete at practice. He blocks hard, he does everything that you want a good football player to do to contribute to your football team. He brings a certain energy to the football team.
“He’s done everything we’ve asked off the field. He’s competitive, he’s tough and God blessed him with an awful lot of ability.”
Florida leaned on Rainey more than usual, too.
Jeff Demps, the other half of Florida’s dynamic rushing duo, sustained an injury in the first quarter. Florida officials refused to disclose the nature of the injury. He went to the locker room and did not return.
The Gators dominated both sides of the lines of scrimmage for the second consecutive week and finished their early tuneups by outgaining their opponents 979 yards to 349. It was the team’s first shutout since 2006.
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