Georgia football is RBU, and there isn’t an argument about it. For years the Dawgs have had some of the best backs in college football, sending them to the NFL and proving that rushing for the most yards isn’t always key to success.
The 2022 season will be the first time since head coach Kirby Smart got here that the Dawgs will have an unknown running backroom. Sure, we know who Kenny McIntosh and Kendall Milton are, but neither of them has been premier backs since arriving in Athens.
Milton was hurt half of 2021, and while McIntosh hit his stride at the end of the season, he still doesn’t have the experience James Cook or Zamir White did.
This experience these two backs have isn’t a bad thing. It’s better than none at all, and to be honest, 2022 could see more production for the rush attack than in 2021.
It’s finally this duo’s time to shine and be the starting running backs, and since they’ve been waiting for this, they will be ready to explode onto the scene.
Georgia football will have a running back room with a chip on its shoulder and ready to send a message.
The Dawgs had a decent rush attack in 2021, but it wasn’t what the fan base thinks it likes to see, or so it felt. Georgia’s pass attack was at the forefront, while the rush game was a little on the back burner.
While it seemed like the rush attack took a lot to get going, they averaged more rushing yards a game than the two previous seasons.
Another chapter in the RBU book begins every few years, and 2022 will mark the beginning of a new phase. It’s one we’ve been waiting on with Milton and McIntosh, but also one where Dawg Nation can begin to fall in love with new backs all over again.
Even though 2021 felt like an off-year for the rush attack, Georgia shouldn’t have that problem in 2022. The Dawgs have a stable full of backs that are ready to break loose and prove they are what can help keep that RBU title in Athens.
This upcoming season will have a passing game full of playmakers, but that offensive line should be able to get a better push up front and allow these back to do their jobs.
Here are three reasons that running back room will impress in 2022.
Georgia football has a pair of guys ready to prove they can take the starting role
Zamir White and James Cook are out, which means Georgia football will likely turn to Kenny McIntosh and Kendall Milton for the starting duties.
While both players have experience on the field, neither have a ton of it. Whether it’s injuries or just being behind the two primary starters, these two haven’t had as much playing time.
However, this duo has been quite patient, and it is now their time to prove they can handle what it takes being the starting running backs at the University of Georgia.
Last season, McIntosh saw action in 14 games, rushing 58 times for 328 yards, averaging 5.7 yards a rush, and scoring three times. However, he also had 22 catches for 242 yards and two touchdowns.
Milton only played in eight games due to a knee injury but amassed 56 rushes for 264 yards, 4.7 yards a carry and one touchdown. He did those numbers with missing half the year, and now it’s his time to shine.
No one can handle this starting role better than Milton. He has been so patient, and now it’s time to show what the Cadillac Bruiser from California is all about and how he is the next great RBU back.
McIntosh will be a great addition to Milton, and I think he will surprise a lot of folks with more reps. These two have shown bursts of greatness, and now they will be the leaders.
Plus adding in Daijun Edwards, who played in all 15 games last year amassing, 49 carries for 215 yards, three touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards a touch. He is another guy who can be a great addition.
Edwards has a great chance to prove himself and with those incredible bursts last year and getting into the end zone three times, his time is coming and he wants to leave his mark on the university.
It’s time RBU starts a new chapter, and KM-squared leads it. This group reminds me a lot of Nick Chubb, Sony Michel’s final season with De’Andre Swift being the third wheel.
Georgia football passed the torch to the next set of RBU backs
This upcoming season will see new faces tote the rock as the Dawgs could use all five scholarship backs in 2022. Running backs coach Dell McGee will have a tough decision, but will likely enjoy this upcoming year the most because of who all is in it.
Even though two of the running backs will be true freshmen, those new faces could be the breath of fresh air the Dawgs need.
Georgia added 4-star Branson Robinson and 3-star Andrew Paul to the roster in the 2022 recruiting class, and this summer, when they arrive, it’ll be fun to see how they compete with the rest of the backs.
Robinson should have been a 5-star with his size and ability. Plus, Paul should have ranked higher as well, but the Dawgs will gladly take both because they are incredible athletes that are coachable and epitomize what it means to be a part of RBU.
They are perfect additions and fit in with the rest of the running backs. When former Dawgs like Todd Gurley give approvals on Twitter, it says something about their talent.
Yessir Congrats‼️ https://t.co/HptUFBS5NF
— Todd Gurley II (@TG3II) February 2, 2022
These two chose Georgia for a reason. Being a part of this program holds precedent with running backs, so even if they don’t get as much playing time in the first year, they know it’ll come with time.
Not to mention, Georgia football loves using multiple running backs, and these two are too good to keep on the sidelines. Georgia could redshirt them, but it’s doubtful because the Dawgs will need them if an injury happens.
Robinson’s strength could be helpful in short-down situations, but his 4.49 speed will also be beneficial. Paul’s vision and patience would benefit this group greatly.
Georgia could end up using Kendall Milton, Kenny McIntosh, Dajun Edwards and these two in 2022. It won’t be because one is better than the other, but because the coaching staff wants the most competitive guys out there, these two fit in with the rest of them.
They are too talented to keep on the sideline, and this staff will find a way to implement the running back by a committee into their blood, so all five backs know when one does well, they all do well.
They may not play right away because they’re not early enrollees, and it’ll take time to learn the playbook, but by the middle of the season, Georgia could pull these two out of their hat to throw off opponents and flex their depth at the position.
The Georgia football rush attack will be more successful in 2022
In 2021, the Dawgs averaged 190.9 yards per game, 5.3 yards a rush, and 29 rushing touchdowns.
Those aren’t bad numbers, but Georgia ranked No. 6 in the SEC in rushing yards per game, which felt odd.
Of course, the Dawgs focused more on the passing game, but it sometimes felt like it took all game to get the rushing attack going. In 2022, that feeling shouldn’t be there too much because that offensive line will get a better push earlier.
Georgia loses Justin Shaffer as one of their guards but will see Tate Ratledge back in 2022 and starting center Sedrick Van Pran. Warren Ericson will have another year to improve, so rush blocking should be much improved.
As the season progressed, the rush attack did as well, but it’s time to make the passing and rushing game lethal for the Dawgs. Alabama was a force up front with their premier back, and with the backs in Georgia’s room, they will have plenty of options.
Not everyone uses their running backs as the Dawgs do, so it’s understandable, but this incoming group will be a fun one to watch because they’re all different.
Kenny McIntosh is a versatile back who can make excellent catches. Kendall Milton is a Cadillac Bruiser that, when healthy, is unstoppable. Daijun Edwards showed bursts of greatness with his speed and vision.
Then there are the two newcomers in Branson Robinson and Andrew Paul. These guys can run you over and have the excellent speed and versatility that successful running backs bring to the table.
Georgia will have fun figuring out how to utilize these five guys, and in 2022, the Dawgs will have one of the best offenses in the SEC.