Georgia football is defined by its physical toughness. From the infamous ‘Bloody Tuesday’ to fighting for every yard on gameday, the Bulldogs exude physicality. 

No group embraces this more than Georgia’s running back room. The Bulldogs have tailbacks that are not afraid of contact. They power through defenders and give their all in blocking. However, for the first time in Kirby Smart’s tenure, the group will be led by someone other than Dell McGee.

Georgia hired former Georgia Tech wide receivers coach Josh Crawford to direct a skilled room of running backs. The group features new faces, former rivals and returning talent looking to make an impact.

The new targets

Trevor Etienne added another level to the Georgia-Florida rivalry when he committed to the Bulldogs in December. The former Gator is projected to be an impact player for Georgia this season. In 2023, Etienne rushed for 753 yards on 131 carries, while his eight rushing touchdowns led the team.

Etienne is a strong downhill runner with the ability to be effective both between the tackles and as a scat-back. His elusiveness makes the Florida-native a threat in the running and passing games. Despite his lack of time with the Bulldogs, Etienne is already showing himself as a leader.

“Everything we’ve heard about Etienne before he got here has held true,” Smart said in March. “He’s a tremendous leader, he’s a high character kid, so he immediately surges into a leadership role.”

The Bulldogs also welcomed three freshmen to their running back room in Chauncey Bowens, Nate Frazier and Dwight Phillips Jr.

Bowens initially committed to Florida but flipped to the Bulldogs during his official visit in June 2023. Standing at 5-foot-11 and 225 pounds, the Florida-native showcases impressive speed for his size.

Frazier is a dynamic back with a rare combination of power and speed. The California-native began his high school career as a wide receiver and switched to tailback during his junior season. Frazier’s track background makes him a threat to outrun defenders from anywhere on the field.

Phillips Jr. also ran track throughout his high school career, with a swift 10.43 100-meter time. The Georgia-native comes from an athletic family, with his father securing a long jump gold medal in the 2004 Olympics. The games took place in Athens, Greece, while, coincidentally, Phillips Jr. will begin his collegiate career in Athens, Georgia. 

Making a comeback

Branson Robinson suffered a season-ending injury last fall. The redshirt sophomore ruptured his patellar tendon while going through a non-contact drill. Robinson was held out of spring drills prior to G-Day, but he is progressing well.

“I feel good now,” Robinson said on The Players’ Lounge podcast in January. “I feel I can go out there right now. But you know, taking it day by day, we’re not rushing anything. But don’t worry about the timeline. Just know, when Branson Robinson’s back, you’re gonna know I’m back.”

Although Robinson does not possess the speed other Bulldogs do, his vision makes him dangerous in space. Robinson’s power also allows him to move piles, while his body control helps him bounce off defenders.

Welcome back

Roderick Robinson II headlines a strong group of returning tailbacks for the Bulldogs. The sophomore finished the 2023 season third on the team in rushing yards with a 70-yard performance in the Orange Bowl.

Robinson II was described as one of the more “savvy runners” in his recruiting class with power and top-end speed. The 6-foot, 240-pounder is projected to be a featured back for the Bulldogs, along with Etienne, Branson Robinson and others.

Cash Jones returned to the Bulldogs for his fourth and final season between the hedges. The Texas-native played in every game for Georgia in 2023, offering depth for a running back room that featured the likes of Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards.

Georgia also returned Jacob Hardie and Len’Neth Whitehead, while adding Brandon Mathis (West Georgia) in the portal.