Georgia Bulldogs in the NFL: Sony Michel Continues to Play Key Role for Patriots
Sony Michel will always have a place in Georgia Football history. He currently sits third on the Bulldogs all-time rushing list, and is most known for his historic Rose Bowl run that put Georgia in the National Championship Game.
Michel parlayed his success as Dawg into NFL first-round draft status, being selected #31 overall by the New England Patriots. That in itself is an accomplishment, as the NFL's transition into a passing game, has devalued the running back position as a whole. First-round selections for backs have been increasingly rare in recent years. The Patriots seem to have an affinity for Georgia Bulldogs players, as center David Andrews and offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn, are currently on the New England roster. Defensive lineman, Richard Seymour, a former Bulldog, also starred for the organization for many years.
Sony Michel is continuing to follow in the footsteps of his many Georgia Bulldogs predecessors. He came up just short of 1,000 yards as a rookie, gaining 931 yards and 6 touchdowns. Michel added another 50 yards and three touchdowns in the passing game, giving him nine scores on the season.
Michel continued to be a key cog for the New England Patriots in week six. He churned out a tough 86 yards on 23 carries, in the team's 35-14 victory over the New York Giants. Sony added an additional 27 yards through the air on two receptions. This put him over the century mark, with 113 total yards for the game. Michel did not find the end zone against New York, but he managed to convert an impressive seven of the Patriots' 27 first downs.
This was following a game in which Michel rushed for 91 yards and logged 123 total yards with a rushing touchdown against the Washington Redskins. Michel has certainly made fantasy football managers who drafted him happy lately, with the 21.3 and 13.3 point totals he has posted in back to back weeks.
Michel isn't registering monster numbers this season, as his 348 yards rank just 17th in the league. He has also only reached the end zone three times.
A major reason for that is the fact that New England uses a lot of variety in their running game. Ten players, including quarterback Tom Brady, have carried the ball for the Patriots, with four of them scoring touchdowns.
Yet, Michel has 76 more rushing attempts than any other ball carrier on the team, so he is the undisputed lead back and top chain mover, while the other backs used situationally.
Sony Michel (left) and Nick Chubb (right) make an appearance at Sanford Stadium.
Sony Michel joins Nick Chubb to give the Georgia Bulldogs two running backs from the 2018 NFL Draft that have become professional starters. Add in former NFL All-Pro Todd Gurley and the Bulldogs have three stellar running back representatives in the league.
These men are just the latest in the long line of former Georgia-ball carriers to become NFL feature backs. This list includes greats such as Herschel Walker, Terrell Davis, Garrison Hearst, Rodney Hampton, Robert Edwards, and Olandis Gary.
Sony Michel is a "Dam Good Dawg" that contains to further cement the University of Georgia's legacy as the true "Running Back University".
