Kirby Smart found Georgia its newest superstar running back

When Daijuan Edwards and Kendall Milton left Athens this offseason, Kirby Smart went into the transfer portal to poach Trevor Etienne away from Florida, but maybe, that was just for insurance. While Georgia has utilized the transfer portal to fill holes, Smart has built this program through high school recruiting, and in the 2024 class, the Dawgs found their newest superstar running back, Nate Frazier Jr.

Ahead of No. 1 Georgia’s Alfac Kickoff Game matchup with No. 14 Clemson, Roderick Robinson II was forced to undergo surgery for an injured toe, and then on game day, the news broke that Etienne would be suspended for the game after an offseason arrest for a DUI. That left big questions in the Georgia backfield, but Frazier was an even bigger answer. 

The 5-foot-10 210-pound four-star freshman split carries with Branson Robinson in the first half, but it became clear that Frazier was the superior back. Robinson and Frazier both saw five carries and while Robinson was held to five yards, Frazier averaged four yards per carry. 

The backfield uncertainty allowed Clemson to hold the Dawgs to just six points in the first half, but after the break, Frazier was Georgia’s primary offensive weapon and he blew the game open. Frazier caught one pass for 24 yards and carried the ball six times in the second half adding 63 more yards and a touchdown. He finished with 107 total yards against one of the country's top defenses.

In 2023, Clemson had the 24th-best rushing defense and only allowed 3.8 yards per carry. Frazier ripped off 7.5 per carry and 8.9 per touch.

It’s also clear that he knows the way to Georgia fan’s hearts, and understands the lineage of elite running backs that he’s now a part of. 

Frazier paid homage to Todd Gurley and Sony Michel, two of Georgia’s top four all-time leading rushers. The true freshman is certainly a long way from joining that elite company in Bulldog’s lore, but Week 1 was a step in the right direction. 

Even once Etienne, who rushed for 753 yards and eight touchdowns for the Gators last season, returns from his suspension, it’ll be impossible for Smart and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo to keep their new star running back off the field.