Georgia has a clear top two running backs on their depth chart this season. Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens were the best running backs by far last season, and their return means they should once again dominate the Bulldogs' backfield.
Kirby Smart however may have other ideas.
Smart will never guarantee anyone any playing time. That is especially the case this early in the offseason. So while it may seem like Frazier and Bowers are the clear options for Georgia at running back this season, Smart sent a clear message to ensure they don't get complacent.
"That's what a back's measured by,” Smart said via x.com. “What do you get that the offensive line doesn't get for you? That's how you become elite.”
Kirby Smart's clear message could shake things up at running back
Any running back on Georgia's depth chart can run for a big gain when their offensive line creates a big hole. Those runs are not what separates a good running back from a great running back. The elite running backs will turn what could be a negative gain (because of poor blocking) into at minimum a couple yard gain.
Elite running backs will also make defenders miss in the open field after they burst through the hole their offensive line created for them as well.
Both Frazier and Bowens were excellent at getting the most out of every play regardless of how well their offensive line did. But Smart is sending a clear message to them that if they aren't able to do that again this year then he isn't afraid to give someone else a chance.
And to the running backs that are further down on the depth chart, Smart is giving them an opportunity to win playing time by running for big gains even if they don't get good blocking every time.