Names to Know: Georgia Football Running Backs | Georgia Sports

Georgia football is defined by its physical toughness. From the infamous “Bloody Tuesday” to the fight for every yard on game day, the Bulldogs exude physicality.

No group embraces this principle more than Georgia’s running backs. The Bulldogs have running backs who aren’t afraid of contact. They weave through defenders and give everything they have to block. However, for the first time in Kirby Smart’s tenure, the group will be led by someone other than Dell McGee.

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

The new objectives

Trevor Etienne added another layer to the Georgia-Florida rivalry when he committed to the Bulldogs in December. The former Gator should 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 good downhill runner, capable of being effective both between the tackles and as a scat-back. His elusiveness makes the Florida native a threat in both the run and pass game. Despite his lack of time with the Bulldogs, Etienne is already showing himself to be a leader.

“Everything we heard about Etienne before he got here has been true,” Smart said in March. “He’s a great leader, he’s a big character guy, so he steps into a leadership role right away.”

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

Bowens originally committed to Florida, but switched sides to the Bulldogs for his official visit in June 2023. At 5-foot-11 and 225 pounds, the Florida native boasts 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 moved to fullback during his junior season. Frazier’s track and field background makes him a threat to outrun defenders from anywhere on the field.

Phillips Jr. also competed in track and field throughout his high school career, running a fast 10.43 seconds in the 100-meter dash. The Georgia native comes from a family of athletes, with his father winning a gold medal in the long jump at the 2004 Olympics. The Games were held in Athens, Greece, while, coincidentally, Phillips Jr. will begin his college career in Athens, Georgia.

Go back

Branson Robinson suffered a season-ending injury last fall. The redshirt sophomore tore his patellar tendon while performing a non-contact drill. Robinson didn’t participate in spring drills before G-Day, but he’s progressing well.

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

While Robinson doesn’t have the speed of other Bulldogs, his vision makes him dangerous in space. Robinson’s power also allows him to move a lot of stuff, while his body control helps him bounce off defenders.

Happy to see you again

Roderick Robinson II leads a strong group of returning running backs 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 has been described as one of the “savviest runners” in his recruiting class, with his power and top-end speed. The 6-foot, 240-pounder is expected to be a featured back for the Bulldogs, alongside Etienne, Branson Robinson and others.

Cash Jones returned to the Bulldogs for his fourth and final season between the lines. The Texas native played every game for Georgia in 2023, providing depth to a running back room that included 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.