2022 Georgia football profile: Running back Kenny McIntosh
Georgia football running back Kenny McIntosh will have a chance to be a primary back for the first time in his career in 2022.
Having been behind other backs like D’Andre Swift, Zamir White and James Cook, McIntosh has always been part of a competitive committee backfield. He has seen a steady uptick in usage each year of his career thus far, both on the ground and through the air, but his senior season could be his opportunity to garner 100+ touches for the first time.
McIntosh’s potential as a receiving back was showcased in 2021 as he reeled in 22 receptions for 242 yards and two touchdowns. His receiving numbers rivaled the 27 receptions, 284 yards and four touchdowns accounted for by Cook, whose receiving capabilities were a focal point of his NFL scouting report.
That kind of versatility, coupled with the increased role that McIntosh will have, could lead to a major breakout season in 2022.
Georgia football could see a breakout year from running back Kenny McIntosh.
He is no stranger to Georgia fans, given how long he has been with the team, but let’s break down exactly what we can expect to see from No. 6 in 2022.
Strengths
As mentioned before, McIntosh’s receiving capabilities out of the backfield set him apart from the other backs on the roster. He showcased great hands in 2021 with an elite route running from the running back position.
His speed and elusiveness contribute to him being such a dynamic threat not only in the receiving game but also on the ground. His ability to make quick, hard cuts is reminiscent of Sony Michel’s days in red and black.
Even as an elusive back, McIntosh is not afraid of contact, evidenced by his tendency to lower his shoulder or push the pile if necessary. This strength adds to his dynamic profile and forces defenders to guess whether he will go around or through them.
On top of this, McIntosh has solid vision and anticipation with the ball in his hands. His quick burst abilities allow him to dart through openings at the line of scrimmage and excel in the open field.
Weaknesses
McIntosh never showed issues with ball security in his first two seasons for the Dawgs, but after three fumbles in 2021, fans hope to see him clean that up this season. Those three fumbles seem fairly uncharacteristic for him, as he only coughed the ball twice in high school. Still, regardless, they should be prioritized to be corrected going into this season.
The biggest question surrounding McIntosh is his ability to maintain a bigger workload as a primary running back. There isn’t necessarily anything that suggests he isn’t capable. He simply has never gotten that type of opportunity in his previous three seasons.
He likely won’t be given the Zamir White workhorse role, and his proficiency as a receiver out of the backfield suggests he could concede carries to other backs while making up for it with more targets in the passing game.
Video Highlights of Kenny McIntosh
2022 Season Prediction for Kenny McIntosh
McIntosh could be in store for a much larger role in 2022. While he will be one of the primary backs in the rotation, expect Georgia to split the carries in a competitive committee as usual. McIntosh could wind up as the RB1a with Kendall Milton as the RB1b.
He should be given plenty of opportunities receiving the ball out of the backfield, as well as his fair share of carries. With that type of role, McIntosh could account for 90 carries for 530 yards and six touchdowns, along with 30 receptions for 340 yards and three touchdowns.
His production will rely on the offense’s run/pass ratio, but ironically for a running back, McIntosh could benefit more from an increased passing attack from the Dawgs in 2022.
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If that is the case, a productive season could significantly boost his draft stock because NFL teams love a shifty running back with proven hands.