Over the past couple years, the University of Georgia has built a reputation for the way it develops its running backs. To the point where when you think about Georgia Football, you have to think about the ground game and the Georgia backfield. Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, and D’Andre Swift have established legitimate NFL careers since leaving Athens and they along with many others have Coach Dell McGee to thank for that. The run-game coordinator and running backs coach has been with Georgia since 2016 and according to co-defensive coordinator Will Muschamp “the consistency of [that] position [group] is probably the best that’s been here in those seven years.” 

While it seems Georgia’s offensive script has shifted more towards the passing game and away from the ground game, Coach McGee still believes that the running back room has difference makers. 

In terms of individuals, McGee discussed senior back Kenny McIntosh who “had a really nice spring and showed a lot of leadership in the summer work program, and he’s doing a great job of mentoring the two young guys…” Kendall Milton who had been injured during the regular season has also been doing well in practice, “He’s looked great during fall camp. You lose reps when you’re not on the football field…” But someone who’s been going under the radar has been third year back Daijun Edwards.

Edwards appears to be the unsung hero of the running back room offering intangibles that the outside world just can’t see. What Edwards offers is security. Without Edwards the current running back room would realistically be 2 upperclassmen and 2 freshmen (with no on-field experience), but Edwards’ depth helps prevent that problem (especially with the way that Georgia likes to rotate backs). According to Coach McGee he’s “…very unselfish, a team player, knows his role and fit—he’s going to be counted on as well this year because he adds value to our football team.” At any other school, a back like Edwards is hitting the transfer portal, but the fact that he’s still at Georgia speaks both to his character and Coach McGee’s abilities as a veteran running backs coach. 

RBU is still running strong. Coach Dell McGee and his players have made it evident despite the attention drawn to the tight end room and defense. While the team is adapting to the modern era, they’ve managed to keep tradition through the ground game and it doesn’t look to falter anytime soon.