GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Mark Thompson was supposed to be the next big thing when he arrived in Gainesville for the spring semester a year ago. At 6-foot-2, 242 pounds, the junior college transfer was billed as the Gators’ big bruiser who could power through SEC defenses like Derrick Henry.

“That’s an SEC back, right there,” coach Jim McElwain said of Thompson at the beginning of last spring. “He looks the part. Now we’ll find out when we get pads on.”

Thompson believed he could be one of the SEC’s best ball-carriers, boldly predicting in August that he would hit the 1,000-yard mark after only seven games. That turned out to be wishful thinking. Thompson appeared in 12 games, totaling 68 carries for 299 yards and two touchdowns.

The senior running back is well aware that he fell short, and is learning from that experience.

“I would say last year did motivate me and humble me,” Thompson said. “Because I made some predictions, I said some things. I was saying a lot before even stepping on the field. It humbled me a lot. And this year, like I said, I’m just looking forward to my senior year and I will have a lot of focus.”

McElwain likes what he’s seeing from Thompson in his second spring with the Gators.

“I’ve been really happy with Mark Thompson, the way he’s going,” McElwain said. “Not to say that Jordan (Scarlett) and Lamical (Perine) aren’t. Those guys are doing really good, but I think he’s taken some maturity steps.”

Perine sees an improved Thompson as well.

“Yeah, that’s my big bro, man,” Perine said. “He’s always helping me out with anything. If I need anything I always can come to him and Scarlett. He’s a good guy, man. Overall, I feel like he’s even better day by day, maturity level, everything. Good dude.”

After the 1,000-yard prediction last year, Thompson is keeping his goals more simple for the fall.

“Just get on the field, make some film for the NFL guys to look at and get some stock to my name,” he said.

“I’m heading in the right direction. I’m not heading backward, I’m not taking any steps back. I’m very, very ready to see what’s in store for me these next few months.”

Florida coaches are anxious to see what Thompson has in store this season, especially after he made the biggest offensive play of the Outback Bowl, a simple screen pass he turned into an 85-yard touchdown.

“It’s an explosive play. I play for explosive plays, every offensive player should have that mindset,” Thompson said. “I wouldn’t say it’s normal, but I would like it to be the norm. You know, not an 85-yard touchdown run, (but) at least a first down every time I touch the ball. That’s what it’s done for me.”

Florida has a clear need for a back with breakaway speed and the ability to bust out of tackles. The Gators were severely lacking in explosive plays last season. In runs of 10-plus yards, Florida was last in the SEC with 45. UF wasn’t much better at breaking off runs of 20-plus either, coming in at No. 12 with 15. Since Thompson’s 85-yard touchdown counts as a passing play, Florida did not register a run of 60-plus yards.

McElwain used a committee approach at running back last year, and Thompson came in third in carries (68), rushing yards (299) and yards per carry (4.4) on the team. What started as a four-headed monster became more of a one-two punch later in the season, with Scarlett (179 carries, 889 yards) and Perine (91 carries, 421 yards) leading the way. Those two are back in 2017, but that doesn’t mean Thompson should be counted out.

Scarlett established himself as Florida’s top ball-carrier, but there are opportunities for Thompson and others to earn snaps. Pass-blocking has been an issue for Scarlett, and that could keep him on the sidelines in certain situations. Jordan Cronkrite, who was identified as the most talented pass-catcher of the running backs last season, has transferred. Thompson’s size gives him a boost in blocking, and he has demonstrated what he can do when catching passes out of the backfield.

This year, the Florida offense is looking to take the constant criticism it hears and use that as motivation to change the conversation.

“I don’t get tired of hearing about it. I feel as though it should push the offense to play better,” Thompson said. “If someone’s saying you’re not doing well, you want to prove them wrong. So you’re going to do better, and do everything you need to do better. I don’t get tired of hearing about it. I’m just waiting to hear that the offense is doing great.”

Thompson has already done that once, making a statement with the Outback Bowl touchdown.

“Not only to show my coaches and teammates that I’m really focused and really wanting to do my best,” Thompson said of the touchdown,”but it showed a lot of doubters and non-believers – not that I care what they think. But anyone who has a negative opinion about me, I hope that that kinda said ‘OK, this guy is not the same guy we thought he was.’ ”

In his final year, Thompson has the chance to lead by example, and prove he’s not the same guy everyone wrote off.