Running back depth is a concern for Georgia as the Bulldogs prepare for the 2023 season opener versus UT Martin on Saturday.
Sophomore tailback Branson Robinson suffered a torn patella tendon last week and will miss the entire season. Seniors Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton, Georgia’s leading returning rushers, are both dealing with injuries with kickoff quickly approaching.
Head coach Kirby Smart spoke to the media on Monday and outlined where Georgia stands at running back.
“Well, we’re looking at everyone at running back. We’re trying to find the best way possible to get the ball in the hands of playmakers. Daijun is dealing with an MCL. He had one last year, but he’s actually doing great. He’s going to be able to practice and do everything today, so we feel good about Daijun’s status. It happened in the second scrimmage… He’s bounced back pretty good from that, so he looks good.”
Edwards finished second in rushing last season behind 2023 NFL draft pick Kenny McIntosh. The Norman Park, Georgia, native rushed 140 times for 769 yards and seven touchdowns, while adding another 101 yards on 14 receptions last season.
Milton finished behind Edwards with 592 yards on 85 carries and eight touchdowns, along with five catches for 64 yards and a score as a receiver.
“Kendall, he’s been dealing with a hamstring most of — almost all of — camp. He feels 80 – 90% and we’re hopeful to get him back today as well in terms of practicing and taking reps. The volume they do we have to be careful of because they haven’t been in the heat as much as the other guys in the last week, but we feel good about both of those guys (Edwards, Milton).”
Redshirt freshman Andrew Paul, true freshman Roderick Robinson and Cash Jones, a sophomore walk-on, have had an opportunity to shine more with Edwards and Milton limited.
“I feel good about Andrew Paul. Rod (Roderick) Robinson has had a great camp. Cash (Jones) has had a good camp. (We’ve) really got a bunch of guys that have repped and done some good things there.”
The Bulldogs have matchups with UT Martin and Ball State before SEC play begins versus South Carolina on Sept. 16. The Dawgs need to get healthier at running back.
