The Georgia football program has become known for stockpiling great running backs over the last few decades, but who are the best to come through the program since 2010?
It’s the year 2020, and the Georgia football program is once again looking at a possible embarrassment of riches at running back. Despite one of the best backs in the country – D’Andre Swift – leaving for the NFL, Georgia still has a war room full of talented backs ready to take the mantle at the school many call “Running Back U”.
Looking back 10 years, when Georgia has always seemingly had a 5-star recruit standing behind the quarterback, there have been some legendary names. While some stuck around longer than others, each one made their own indelible mark in the Classic City.
Georgia football fans love their running backs, and football fans love to rank things. This list is only a natural.
The best running backs to come through the Georgia football program since 2010
The Role-Players
When there is constantly a flow of four and five-star talent coming in and out of the roster, there are bound to be some players, talented as they may be, who are reduced to role-players and mop-up duty.
The contributions of these players can’t be overlooked, but you really can’t stack them up among the best backs from the past 10 years. Georgia football fans may have even forgotten a few of these names.
Richard Samuel (2008-2012)
Samuel was the guy Mark Richt would turn to when injuries piled up or when he needed to give the star starters a rest. A sure-handed but unspectacular back who knew his job and did it well.
Carlton Thomas (2009-2011)
Thomas was a dependable back who may have had a bigger part to play in many other SEC programs. He amassed 725 rushing yards and four touchdowns during his time at Georgia.
Brandon Harton (2011-2013)
Primarily used as a fullback, Harton was a bruising presence and one of the toughest guys on the team. He helped open holes for some of the best backs to ever play at Sanford Stadium.
Ken Malcome (2011-2012)
Like Richard Samuel, Malcome was used in particular spots or when games got out of hand. Another role-player who gave the big dawgs a breather when needed.
J.J. Green (2013-2014)
Green only played one season at running back before being moved to the secondary as a safety and then transferring to cross-state rival, Georgia Tech. He had a few moments, but becoming a Yellow Jacket made him lose a lot of points.
Quayvon Hicks (2013-2015)
Another fullback who as given a bone from time to time, Hicks proved he could not only run the ball in short-yardage situations, but he was dangerous threat out of the backfield as a receiver.
Christian Payne (2014-2017)
A converted linebacker, Payne took over the fullback duties from Hicks and proved to be yet another big hole-opener for the Bulldogs, and was the UGA comeback player of the year in 2015. He actually had more receiving yards than rushing yards.
James Cook (2018-current)
Cook was a highly-recruited running back who has had the misfortune of being behind some legends in the making. He could emerge as one of the best backs in the SEC moving forward.
Kenny McIntosh (2019-current)
McIntosh has looked good with his limited number of touches and may become a big part of the Georgia offense in 2020 and beyond.
Zamir White (2019-current)
“Zeus” was once the number one running back prospect in the country, but two ACL injuries later and he’s just hoping to find his way into being a featured runner at Georgia. Tons of potential if he can stay healthy.