The sting of 2023 is in the past. It’s time for Georgia to look toward 2024. One of the big keys to returning to the playoff and competing for a third national championship in four years will be Georgia’s running backs. Over the next five weeks, the team will hit the field for practice sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. They’ll have several scrimmages, culminating in G-Day at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, April 13th. We’ll delve into a different position group each week to prepare you for the 2024 season. Let’s examine the running back position as Georgia aims to reclaim its reputation as RBU (Running Back University).
Talkin’ Spring Ball: Georgia’s Running Backs
Improving on 2023
Numbers can be deceiving. Georgia fans can look no further than the 2023 rushing statistics. The Bulldogs were fourth in the SEC with 2,305 rushing yards through 13 games, and their 35 rushing touchdowns were also an SEC high. Dajun Edwards and Kendall Milton led the team in rushing this year, and both are hoping to hear their names called in the NFL Draft in April.
Although both players were talented running backs, they didn’t quite match the typical mold Georgia fans were accustomed to in previous years. Edward led the teams in rushing in 2023. Since the season ended, he failed to stand out in the Senior Bowl or the Combined last week. Edwards will likely have to make an NFL roster as an undrafted free agent. Milton battled injuries early and led Georgia in rushing in the season’s final five games. The Senior from Fresno, California, has a knack for breaking long runs and is a threat as a receiver, making him an attractive prospect for a late-round pick in the upcoming draft.
#1 Transfer Portal Addition
Kirby Smart wasted little time upgrading Georgia’s running back room during the December Transfer Portal. The move not only brought in the #1 transfer running back to Athens but was an opportunity to weaken one of Georgia’s biggest rivals. Trevor Etienne left the rival Flordia Gators after two years and will wear the #1 and likely be the #1 running back heading into Spring ball. Etienne is an elite athlete looking to help Georgia in the running, receiving, and return games. He led the team in 2023 in rushing touchdowns (8), yards per carry (5.7), and yards per game (68.4).
Etienne didn’t hold back in explaining why he left Gainesville for Athens. His answer in an interview on the Real Talk Georgia podcast showed how far the two rivals are apart. “I felt like ‘I can stay here and do what I’ve been doing for another year or two, or bet on myself and take a chance somewhere else,'” Etienne said. So pretty much to sum it up, I could either be RB2 on a losing team or go somewhere and possibly be RB1 and win a natty.” The load won’t have to shoulder the load himself in 2024; Georgia has plenty of talent to assist.
The Rest of Georgia’s Running Backs
Here is a quick look at the returners and a few of the freshmen to be on the lookout for over the next five weeks.
Returners
- Roderick Robinson II: The sophomore from San Diego was third on the team in rushing in 2023. Injuries limited him to only five games, but he did show sparks of what he can do. He rushed seven times for a season-high 70 yards in the Capital One Orange Bowl against Florida State.
- Dillon Bell: The Houston native wears number 86 but showcased his athleticism as a receiver and a runner in 2023. The junior caught 29 passes for 355 yards and two touchdowns and had 25 carries for 157 yards and two touchdowns. Look for Bell to also provide another option in the return game with Etienne.
- Cash Jones: The Junior from Texas will provide depth and experience to Georgia’s running back room. Jones’ most extensive run of the season came on a 57-yard touchdown against Vanderbilt.
Look for Robinson and Bell to play a more significant role in the offense in 2024. Robinson could be the thunder to counter Etienne’s lightning. Bell will be moved all around the field, providing another lethal threat for Carson Beck. Georgia brought in three freshmen in the Class of 2024: two four-star running backs in Dwight Phillips Jr. (GA.), Nate Frazier (CA.), and a three-star Chauncey Bowens (FL.). Georgia’s running backs will look to be more dynamic in 2024 as they make another run at an SEC and national championship.
