Georgia football hopes to keep running wild in 2015 and beyond (Video)

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Oct 18, 2014; Little Rock, AR, USA; Georgia Bulldogs mascot during the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

The Georgia football team landed only one running back this past signing day, so what are the Dawgs doing to make sure that the backfield is stocked with talent in the future?

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Former Georgia star running back Todd Gurley will be missed by those who bleed red and black as his days of pulling stunts “Between The Hedges” will transition to an NFL gridiron in 2015.

Much focus has fallen on TG3 as the NFL combine has ensued and some mock drafts have him going to the Detroit Lions to join former Bulldog QB Matthew Stafford on offense with the Detroit Lions.

Gurley — who is rehabbing a torn anterior cruciate ligament — has appeared calm, cool, and confident nonetheless. This can be seen in his comments to reporters this past week at the NFL Scouting Combine per USA Today Reports: “My goal is to be the No. 1 pick. I’m just trying to get my knee back right and show teams I can come back healthy. I’m not here to be the No. 5 overall pick or a second-round pick. … I’m here to be the best.”

Many critics questioned Gurley’s ability to rebound fully from the ACL injury he suffered after a tumultuous 2014 season at Georgia. His credibility was further called into question on Friday after news came out that he refused a medical check to poke and prod at his knee.

However, this should not be cause for alarm as Rutgers TE Tyler Kroft, who was set to take part in combine drills this weekend, chose otherwise after waking up at the end of the week with a swollen ankle from examinations conducted on him by physicians. While he chose not to allow doctors to tinker with his injury, Gurley did not fail to perform altogether as he took part in the bench press workouts for those in attendance at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Gurley’s Georgia career was not one of mediocrity as he rushed the ball some 510 times while compiling 3,285 yards and 36 touchdowns. His 2014 season was plagued with problems though, including his NCAA autograph infractions and suspension coupled with his injury that he is currently recovering from.

While Gurley preps to take his talents to the next level, the Georgia Bulldogs are not fretting too much as the Dawgs are still prepared to be dominant at the running back position in 2015.

The Georgia run game will be bolstered by Nick Chubb who is coming off of a monstrous freshman season where he rushed the ball 219 times for 1547 yards and 14 touchdowns. Aiding and assisting Chubb will be backs Sony Michel, Keith Marshall, and Brendan Douglas.

While the Dawgs have long had a rich tradition steeped in exemplary runners and the 2015 season appears to be one that will keep that tradition alive, what is Georgia doing to ensure a strong backfield in the future?

The answer to such an inquiry lies in the ongoing recruiting efforts for the Dawgs 2016 class. FAM15 was a victory for Georgia to say the least with the landing of stars such as Trenton Thompson, Terry Godwin, and Roquan Smith among others. Yet, the Georgia signing day class for 2015 was lacking in terms of running backs.

Georgia had hoped to land JUCO running back Chris Carson, who had seemed committed to play in Athens all the way until he changed his course at the last minute and ended up flipping to Oklahoma State. Following Carson’s flip, the Bulldogs were able to land a lone running back in the 2015 class, Tae Crowder, who had previously committed to play for the Eagles of Georgia Southern University.

In light of the single recruiting triumph at running back in 2015, Georgia has amped up its efforts in an attempt to bring in top talent at the running back position. Georgia has at least 11 confirmed offers out and about the nation’s top high school backs in the 2016 class.

Dawn of the Dawg takes an in-depth look at four of the major targets while providing a comprehensive list of all the running back targets on the Dawg’s wish list.

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