5 biggest questions the Georgia Bulldogs face heading into opening week

Nov 2, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs fullback Quayvon Hicks (48) during the first quarter against the Florida Gators at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

No. 4 – Who will be the fullback to block for Georgia’s talented running backs?

Make no mistake, losing projected starting fullback Merritt Hall was a big blow to this team. Not devastating, but big nonetheless.

Hall was to be the guy clearing the path for Todd Gurley, Keith Marshall and company, knocking those pesky defensive tackles and blitzing linebackers to the ground. A solid fullback has always been one of the foundations of the Georgia running game, and head coach Mark Richt has to find out who can get the job done.

For now, freshman Detric Bing-Dukes has been moved from linebacker to fullback, and he’ll be getting a hard look from the coaches over the next couple of weeks, but sits far down on the depth chart at the moment. Taylor Maxey, a fifth-year senior walk-on from Statham has been getting most of the first team reps, along with Christian Payne and Cameron Faulkner, also both walk-on players.

Should none of the above work out, then Richt could always call upon Quayvon Hicks – who has been training as a tight end and hybrid wingback – to take over again at fullback, but that is probably the least desirable of all options given the time that has been invested in Hicks learning his new position.

Whoever ends up starting at fullback must have the complete trust of the running backs, especially their leader, Todd Gurley.