Georgia Bulldogs

Future of the running game looks bright for Dawgs

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Dawgs’ running back position should be in good shape for years to come. First, let’s go on a trip back down memory lane.

On a hot August night in 2014, Georgia’s running game dominated Clemson. Tied going into the fourth quarter, Georgia’s stable running backs wore down the tired Tigers defense. The Dawgs won by 24 points.

That was the night that Georgia’s running game established itself as one of the best in the country. Todd Gurley rushed for nearly 200 yards and returned a kickoff for a touchdown.

Nick Chubb saw his first action as a Georgia Bulldog and scored on a long scamper (with one shoe, mind you). Another threat, Sony Michel, who is now a regular, also saw the field.

Georgia had a plethora of running backs that kept Clemson off-balanced, winded and begging for mercy. This past Saturday afternoon, despite Georgia’s heartbreaking loss to Tennessee, we can say we saw the same.

Sure, the Dawgs lost to the Vols on Saturday afternoon, but it was arguably Georgia’s best game of the season. Even with Nick Chubb out for a majority of the game, the running game, which had struggled in recent weeks, propelled the Dawgs early in the game. Sony Michel rushed for 91 yards on 16 carries, including an early touchdown to put the Dawgs ahead 7-0.

Perhaps the most impressive back was Brian Herrien. The freshman who shined against North Carolina also had a nice day, carrying the ball 15 times for 74 yards. Herrien showed great skill and vision throughout the game, providing Georgia with another spark since Chubb was on the sideline.

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Even as Georgia’s shaky offensive line continues to develop, performances such as these show that the Dawgs’ running game can be amongst the nation’s best in the coming years.

In 2017, Georgia has the potential to return Chubb and Michel barring their entry into the NFL draft. Herrien will only be a sophomore and will be accompanied by classmate Elijah Holyfield, who has also seen early action. That’s not all. More help is on the way. Georgia has the commitment of two 4-star running backs in Toneil Carter and D’andre Swift of the 2017 recruiting class.

Assuming Georgia’s offensive line can continue to develop under offensive line coach Sam Pittman, the Dawgs’ running game looks to be among the nation’s best, not just for 2017, but for years to come.

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