How Will Georgia Keep its Running Back Corps Happy in 2021?
Georgia football has a problem it has all offseason to figure out: What will the Bulldogs do with all of their running backs?
Georgia has six very good running backs on the roster. James Cook has announced his return to Athens for a fourth year, while according to sources Zamir White is expected to return. Both are coming off their best seasons in Athens.
Behind them are three younger running backs who more than impressed this season. Kenny McIntosh, Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards played very well in 2020 and are certainly hungry for more touches. Then there's signee Lovasea Carroll, who didn't enroll early just to redshirt.
Now more than ever, it's important to keep your players happy. The transfer portal and immediate play waivers mean teams never stop recruiting players. So how can head coach Kirby Smart and his staff keep these six hungry backs satisfied?
20, 21, and 22 formations
The best way to utilize six running backs is to call 20 personnel formations often. That is something offensive coordinator Todd Monken was known for at Cleveland and Southern Mississippi.
In Georgia's offense, two running back formations should be wildly effective. Cook and McIntosh are great receivers out of the backfield, and they're going to be on the good side of a lot of mismatches next season. Both are lethal on angle routes and Cook has proven to be a solid deep threat.
The possibilities go beyond the passing game. Georgia will see less loaded boxes this fall and its receivers are all good blockers. The Bulldogs also have a great group of tight ends that will create some potent 22 formations.
Avoid tendencies
Georgia currently has two styles of running backs. They have the downhill, early-down runner, like White and threats out of the backfield like Cook and McIntosh. The only player on the roster that is a perfect blend of both is Milton, who should see his role extended drastically in 2021. In our view, he is the best back in this offense and will be used as such.
Cook, McIntosh and Carroll should see the bulk of the receptions, whereas Milton, White and Edwards will see more of the traditional running back roles.
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