Dillon Bell The Latest Multi-Position Playmaker In Mike Bobo's Georgia Offense
With 8:45 left until halftime Saturday, Georgia lined up in the shotgun with someone different at running back.
Instead of Kendall Milton, Roderick Robinson or Cash Jones; Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo called a play for wide receiver Dillon Bell. The Bulldogs needed a spark in the running game, the offensive line is a work in progress, and the playbook is still basic against inferior talent. The three traditional backs had just 20 yards on six carries up to that point.
Bell delivered more than a spark. He broke ankles, avoided would-be-tacklers, and scampered 21 yards into the end zone for a touchdown, extending Georgia's lead to 21-0. The run was actually Bell's second handoff of the game. He had a 10-yard carry on Georgia's second possession which resulted in a first down.
For now, Bell's transition to part-time running back is out of necessity. Daijun Edwards is still injured, though he has been dressing out. His relatively small size makes him the best option when running lanes are hard to come by, as he's shown an ability in the past to use that size to slide through the smallest of gaps to find positive yardage
If history is any indication, we can expect to see a little more of Bell in the backfield this season. His usage on Saturday wasn't too different from how Bobo utilized other athletes in Georgia's offense.
Defensive backs Brandon Boykin and Branden Smith come to mind immediately. Both had multiple offensive scores. Smith had a 72-yard wildcat TD run against Tennessee Tech in 2009, while Boykin took a sweep out of the shotgun 80 yards for a score against Boise State in 2011.
Of course, Bobo was also teammates with two Georgia legends known for playing multiple positions; Hines Ward and Champ Bailey.
Why Dillon Bell?
Georgia's roster is full of athletes. In the days leading up to the season opener, there were rumors that tight end Brock Bowers would play some snaps at running back. What sets Bell apart?
Part of the answer is what he did on his 21-yard touchdown Saturday. He instantly spotted the running lane, hit it hard and made the first guy miss in a one-on-one situation. It was a high-quality play well before it was a touchdown.
The rest of the answer comes from most of Bell's five catches this season. He hasn't run many routes, and each of the catches has been on quick hitches, but he's seldom gone down on first contact. Bell is 6-1 and 210 lbs., he's not small and is a chore to tackle in the open field.
