Kenny McIntosh ready to take opportunity and run with it

Georgia running back Kenny McIntosh has had one of the best camps of his career according to Kirby Smart. That’s certainly welcomed news to all Bulldog fans that understand the challenges ahead of Dell McGee’s running back room this fall, replacing Zamir White and James Cook.

McIntosh, now in his senior season, has been a backup to White and Cook all throughout his career. When he arrived in 2019, D’Andre Swift and Brian Herrien were in the room too. Now it’s his time to shine as the oldest, and best, option.

“It is work ethic. He has always been a worker,” Smart said about McIntosh during the preseason. “He was in the shadows of those other guys and now, he steps up and he leads. He pushes guys.”

“He’s got better stamina,” he continued. “There were times where he would get tired in practice in the past. He might be gassed and taking reps. Now, he might be the rush guy. He can go cover a punt. He can run routes out of the back field. He is elusive. He has to work really hard on his weight to maintain his weight. I think it is really important if he can stay above that 205 to 210 mark for bulk and protecting himself. He has had the best camp he has ever had by far in terms of no mental lapses and picking up pressures. He has done a tremendous job.”

Others have noticed McIntosh too. Georgia offensive lineman Sedrick Van Pran said that his explosiveness has stood out during camp and that the offensive linemen don’t have to give McIntosh much room.

“It’s amazing how if you give that guy an inch, just one hole, he can take it 70 yards,” Van Pran said. “That’s something we learned throughout team run period, scrimmages, whatever it may have been. If you give that guy a hole, he can make something happen.”

“It’s good for us because when those big runs spring off, you’re not necessarily thinking of it,” he continued. “You’re just thinking about doing your job, but it’s a beautiful thing to watch when everybody does their job collectively and this guy has got the A gap open for half and second and makes it a 15 yard run. It’s definitely something beautiful to see and something we’re looking forward to.”

As for McIntosh himself, he’s ready for the opportunity. It’s something he’s waited his turn for in Athens, and his patience is paying off.

“I mean I’ve been like that my whole life, I’m kind of like the underdog if you want to say it like that,” McIntosh said. “I’ve really been prepared for this moment to come so just for me to be here in this moment, thank God for me to finally get here and get the opportunity to just go out there and showcase my talent. Now it’s here and I’m ready. I can’t complain.”

“I’ve been through a lot, watching the older guys that have been here,” he continued, talking about the maturity that he has and where it comes from. “They’ve had a big role and now it’s my turn. I know how it looks. I know how it’s supposed to look. Growing up and watching those older guys, kind of like my brothers and how they went through things, went about things. I haven’t lacked it. It’s always been there, I’m just showing it a lot more on the field.”

In 34 total career games, McIntosh has 753 rushing yards, six scores on the ground, 356 receiving yards and has caught two touchdown passes. That kind of versatility shown on a larger scale is what folks are excited to see this season out of him. In limited opportunities last year, McIntosh had career-bests in every category (328 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 242 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns).

“Since last year, I’ve been eager to get on the field a little more and stuff like that,” McIntosh said. “Now that it’s here, I feel like it’s time. God’s plan, God’s timing. I can’t rush His time, but this time, it’s personal. Now that it’s here, we’re just ready to showcase to the world.”