Georgia is once again stacked at running back for the upcoming season, even after losing 1,000 yard rusher Elijah Holyfield to the NFL Draft.
D’Andre Swift is considered one of the best backs in the nation for 2019, Brian Herrien is ready to shine in the spotlight, James Cook showed flashes of why he was a five-star recruit last season and Zamir White was the best back in the country coming out of high school prior to two ACL injuries.
Swift is going to carry most of the load this season, and for good reason. He can really do it all, whether it be run you over, make you miss with one his dirty cuts or catch the ball out of the backfield and take off with his blazing speed. Last season he took 163 carries, only four more than Holyfield, for 1,049 yards and 10 touchdowns. I’d expect his number of carries to increase to 200ish, like Nick Chubb had in 2016 and 2017.
As for Herrien, his number of carries really depends on how strong Cook and White can perform early on. Herrien is a great player, and he made some outstanding plays last season, but with three talented backs behind Swift, you have to share the ball. I’d look for Herrien to receive roughly 75 attempts.
Cook and White were two of the most coveted players in their recruiting class. We saw what Cook can do when he got the ball into space, and it has to the potential to be deadly this year. For White, I think he will return to full strength and give Georgia the best duo in the country with he and Swift.
It all starts with our offensive line, which is the best in the country…and with a line like Georgia’s, it should not be hard to find holes and break free.
2019 rushing stats projection:
D’Andre Swift: 188 carries, 1,222 yards, 16 touchdowns
Zamir White: 140 carries, 1,016 yards, 11 touchdowns
Brian Herrien: 80 carries, 560 yards, 5 touchdowns
James Cook: 60 carries, 333 yards, 3 touchdowns
