Over the last two decades, Dawg Nation has seen the likes of Knowshon Moreno, Todd Gurley, Nick Chubb, Sony Michel and James Cook do extraordinary things in the backfield for them. Running the football is just part of Georgia's DNA. However, we may be on the verge of seeing the next truly great one join the ranks of those UGA legends. Nate Frazier could be the guy to join that impressive group.
During his first season with the team, Frazier had 133 carries for 671 yards and five touchdowns serving primarily as Trevor Etienne's backup. Frazier was only a true freshman out of his native southern California, but the promise was always there. His talent is simply undeniable. Frazier did have to learn how to become a better blocker to stay on the field more as an all-around tailback.
However, let's be real. The first real glimpse of him from last year's Clemson game was telling. His vision and elusiveness with the ball in his hands has him tabbed to join the list of recent Georgia running back greats. Yes, former Illinois transfer Josh McCray has a chance to be a part of that group as well, but the Dawgs really need for Frazier to become the bell-cow akin to those five recent Georgia legends.
The reason for this is Georgia is working in a new starting quarterback this year in Gunner Stockton.
Nate Frazier needs to set the tone for the season ahead for Georgia
While Georgia should breeze past Marshall on Saturday, nothing would make Dawg Nation happier than to see players like Frazier, Stockton and newcomer wide receiver Zachariah Branch go off in a big way vs. the Thundering Herd. The Dawgs will be at a massive talent advantage in their first two games of the season at home vs. Marshall and FCS Austin Peay before traveling to rival Tennessee.
Having this team playing with confidence heading into SEC play will be huge for Georgia's chances of making it back into the College Football Playoff. Heading into the season, the Dawgs are among the surest of locks to make the 12-team playoff field once again. While the defense will have to be much improved to sustain excellence this year, maybe a Frazier breakout is what this program is in need of?
While it has been more running back by-committee in recent years under Kirby Smart, this cannot be the year where Mike Bobo's offense once again gets stuck in neutral at inopportune times. Simply put, Georgia has more good players than most teams in the Power Four. Putting forth simpler play designs in all three phases should allow for the team to execute at a higher level than other programs.
Overall, it serves the entire team to let Frazier take his game to an even higher level. He is only a sophomore, but the fact he is listed ahead a redshirt senior transfer in McCray speaks volumes. It shows that Smart and Bobo have faith in their former blue-chip running back prospect. Players like Frazier come to Georgia to get ready for the NFL and contend for national titles, so let him do that!
Georgia needs a player on offense to become appointment television, so it might as well be him.