The Georgia backfield is continuously changing over the years as the never-ending cycle of running backs who come to Athens and light the College Football world on fire for 3-4 years, then turn pro and go on to bigger and better things in the NFL.
That cycle continues this season for the Dawgs, as D’Andre Swift decided to forgo his senior season and pursue the NFL. Swift will be joining Todd Gurley, Sony Michel, Nick Chubb in the elite group of current running backs in the league from Athens. So, where does Georgia turn to next in the backfield? Running backs coach Dell McGee will have a lot of options this coming season at running back as he is returning redshirt sophomore Zamir White, junior James Cook, sophomore Kenny McIntosh. McGee will also be bringing in two freshmen, Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards. After suffering two ACL tears, Zamir White will have another chance to be the dominant, powerful, agile back that he once was coming out of high school. White saw the field for the first time last season after redshirting his freshman year because of a second ACL tear he suffered in the spring. White was able to contribute well for the Dawgs last season with 408 yards on just 78 carries. Last year was very much a catch up year for White as he was coming off his second ACL injury and was being able to participate at 100%. White showed a lot of potential out of the backfield for Georgia as he ran much like Nick Chubb did in his heydays in Athens. Still has some work to do in the pass protection aspects of things that a running back will need, but White showed that he could be the next bell-cow back for Georgia. Cook is also expected to be seeing a lot of action this year. After two seasons of being used sparingly as he was employed in multiple roles besides being in the backfield. Cook is a very versatile back who can go out and be a receiver, along with being a traditional back. Cook resembles Keith Marshall in the way he plays at running back. Expect James Cook to thrive in the new offensive system this year for Georgia as he will bring added value to the team with his receiving ability. Sophomore Kenny McIntosh is another interesting back for Georgia as he is a traditional back who showed flashes last season. McIntosh holds the longest run of last season as he rushed 62 yards to the endzone against Arkansas State. While McIntosh may lack in terms of speed he makes up for it with his physical prowess, he also boasts an excellent base for a running back. He was used in 12 of 14 games and played exceptionally well against Arkansas State and Murray State. McIntosh has the potential to be a starter for Georgia in a few seasons but will need to work on his agility and speed to play at an elite level. With the loss of Brian Herrien and his power and speed, Georgia was able to replace him through recruiting. Kendall Milton, the four-star running back from Clovis, California, will be looking to contribute immediately for Georgia next season. Milton is a powerful, shifty back with great size as he is 6’1 and weighs in at 215 pounds. Much like Herrien, Milton can take a hit and not lose his balance. Milton has a lot of potentials to play immediately at Georgia as his running style could translate well at the next level. Daijun Edwards is a former 4-star prospect out of Moultrie, Georgia, who many may not know a lot about as he wasn’t covered much by the mainstream until after he committed and signed to play at Georgia. Edwards is the most underrated running back in the 2020 class as he is a versatile back who brings top-tier speed and an ability to cut on a dime without losing momentum. Edwards will translate well into the Monken offense as he is a good catcher out of the backfield who can track a ball over his shoulder and run under it. He is too fast for a linebacker to cover and can make a defensive back miss when he gets the ball. Daijun will give the backs above him a run for his money and will easily win over the fans as he is going to be very entertaining to watch in the red and black. Overall Georgia has a lot of talent in the backfield that is going to be playing for years to come.
1 Comment
Ed Reno
4/13/2020 04:23:59 pm
Good article. I think White is going to put his injuries behind him and lead the Dawgs in rushing this year. All SEC type season.
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Harrison Reno
Is the founder and author of Top Dawg Blogging. Harrison has been blogging for the past 4 years Archives
April 2020
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