Georgia Fall Camp Position Preview: Running Back

We’re less than 10 days away from the start of fall camp in Athens, Ga., and what better time to take a look at what the Bulldogs bring to the table this season? Georgia is the two-time defending national champions and going for a three-peat in 2023, something that hasn’t been accomplished since the 1930s. If that’s to happen, it’ll take a total team effort.

Over the course of the final few days leading up to the start of fall camp, we’ll be doing a deep dive into each of Georgia’s position groups, breaking down players to watch and all the biggest storylines as the season quickly approaches. After discussing quarterbacks yesterday, we move onto the running backs today.

Running Back

In the Room: Daijun Edwards (Senior), Kendall Milton (Senior), Branson Robinson (Sophomore), Andrew Paul (Redshirt Freshman), Roderick Robinson (Freshman)
Position Coach: Dell McGee

Georgia built its reputation as ‘RBU’ in the days of old, and while that title has probably shifted elsewhere with times changing in Athens, the Bulldogs still have a stable of running backs to be proud of.

Last year’s leading rusher Kenny McIntosh is off to the NFL. He carried the rock 150 times for 829 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022 while also adding 43 catches and 504 yards receiving – both totals good for third on the team. Replacing a veteran like that won’t be easy, especially after having to do so last season too when Zamir White and James Cook took their talents pro. However, Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton were passed the torch somewhat and take it completely now.

Edwards finished second behind McIntosh with 140 carries and 769 yards. Meanwhile, among the running backs, it was Edwards that was second in touchdowns scored with eight. Edwards found the end zone seven times, and Milton recorded 85 attempts and 592 yards to round out their respective stat lines.

Both seniors, they know the system, and position coach Dell McGee knows their skillsets and what each brings to the table. That’s not a concern at all. What is a concern is the ability to stay healthy.

Because running back is a position that takes so many hits, it’s tough to ever be completely 100 percent. We saw that on display in the spring when Edwards was “banged up” but still going through drills and participating in the spring game. As for Milton, a fourth-year player who has yet to make it through an entire season on campus without being unavailable for at least one game due to injury, he was sidelined early on with a hamstring injury – a sit down that seemed more precautionary than anything else considering he dressed out and went through warm ups on G-Day.

Kirby Smart told reporters at SEC Media Days that Milton is back to full speed and good to go for fall camp. Somebody who’s not is Branson Robinson. The sophomore suffered a foot injury at the end of spring practice that caused him to be out completely on G-Day. While the hope is for him to be back doing dry-land running before too long, Smart is uncertain whether he’ll have to miss any games or not. That’s a big blow to the depth of the room as expectations were for him to take a step forward this season.

As a freshman, Robinson rushed for 330 yards on 68 carries. He recorded three touchdowns including a pair on the National Championship Game victory over TCU. His highest carry total came against Auburn when Milton was unavailable, turning his 12 attempts into a season-high 98 yards and a score.

CHECK IT OUT: Georgia doing its best to address concerns of running back depth ahead of fall camp

Rounding things out in the room are Andrew Paul and Roderick Robinson. Neither has yet to take a snap at the collegiate level but both could be called upon to provide depth this season. The same could be said about walk-ons Cash Jones, Len’Neth Whitehead and Sevaughn Clark – all three of whom bring more experience to the table.

Paul, a fast-rising three-star who signed with Georgia in February of 2022, suffered a torn ACL during fall camp last year and redshirted in his first season on campus as a result. Smart says he’s on the typical timeline for a return from that surgery, being forced to build up strength, conditioning and confidence in his knee again. Then there’s the true freshman Robinson, the No. 10 running back coming from the high school ranks according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Robinson enrolled early and received his fair share of reps in the spring with the injuries all around him, totaling 11 carries in his first action on G-Day.