Georgia's first week of fall camp is in the books, and running back Dwight Phillips has been getting a fair share of first team reps. This is a bit surprising since Nate Frazier is expected to be the starter this season with Chauncey Bowens getting a lot of carries as well as the clear second option on the depth chart.
Phillips however has been getting a good amount of run with the first team during passing drills.
”While Georgia was working through passing drills, it was noticeable that Dwight Phillips was the first running back to work with Stockton,” Connor Riley said via dawgnation.com. “Georgia has a need for a pass-catching running back and Phillips has the speed to excel in that spot. The questions come from how he will hold up as a pass-blocker.“
Dwight Phillips may be Georgia's first option at RB in the passing game
Phillips may not be the first running back Georgia goes to in the run game, but it looks like he could be their first option on obvious passing downs. Cash Jones filled that role for Georgia last season, but it looks like Phillips will step in to replace him.
Phillips also could be Georgia's third down back this season as well. That role was likely going to transfer Dante Dowdell, but after a serious injury this offseason that role is up for grabs too.
Last year Phillips only had one reception which went for negative six yards. He however had a much smaller role on last year's team, so with more playing time now available he could be where Kirby Smart turns when Georgia needs a running back to be explosive in the passing game.
Phillips however has proven to be great in the run game, so he could really challenge Frazier and Bowens for some carries this season as well.
What does Dwight Phillips emergence mean for Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens?
Phillips emergence this spring could result in Frazier and Bowens not getting as many carries as they originally thought. Smart in the past has preferred to spread the wealth in the backfield with seven running backs getting at least 10 carries last season.
Phillips had the fifth-most carries on the team last year, but he averaged a staggering six yards per carry. He even led the team with 60 rushing yards against Marshall. If he keeps that level of production up it will be hard for Smart to not get him a lot of touches throughout the season.
Frazier and Bowens however will likely still start the season as Georgia's top two running backs. Frazier could be one of the top running backs in the SEC this year, and Bowens could finally make a name for himself in his second year getting significant playing time.
Phillips however can't go unnoticed this season. He more than likely will be the third running back on the depth chart and potentially the first option on passing downs. Phillips likely could be more of a featured a back if he was on another team, but his time will eventually come if he sticks with Georgia throughout his career.
Phillips provides a level of security for Georgia's backfield in case injuries occur, so while he may not be much of a known player right now there's a chance he could be the talk of the town at some point this season.
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