Georgia’s rich history of producing elite running backs continues to be a benchmark in college football, with recent standout performances by Sony Michel and Nick Chubb adding to the legacy established by predecessors like Todd Gurley, Herschel Walker, and Garrison Hearst.
Sony Michel, a prominent figure in the Bulldogs’ backfield, showcased his talent across multiple seasons. In 2017, he amassed 1,323 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on 165 carries, also contributing 96 receiving yards and a touchdown on 9 receptions. His 2015 campaign was particularly impressive, with 1,161 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns on 219 carries, complemented by 270 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns on 26 catches, leading to a total of 1,431 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns on 245 touches.In 2016, Michel recorded 840 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on 152 carries, adding 149 receiving yards and a touchdown on 22 receptions, for a total of 989 yards and 5 touchdowns on 174 touches.
Nick Chubb, another formidable force for Georgia, also left his mark on the program. In 2016, he carried the ball 224 times for 1,130 yards and 8 touchdowns, while also hauling in 5 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown, resulting in 1,216 total yards and 9 touchdowns on 229 touches.
Todd Gurley, a celebrated Georgia running back, delivered standout seasons during his tenure. In 2013, he rushed for 989 yards and 10 touchdowns on 165 carries, with an additional 441 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns on 37 receptions, totaling 1,430 yards and 16 touchdowns on 202 touches. His 2012 season saw him rush for 1,385 yards and 17 touchdowns on 222 carries,adding 117 receiving yards on 16 receptions,for a total of 1,502 yards and 17 touchdowns on 238 touches.
The lineage of exceptional Georgia running backs extends further back. Herschel Walker, an all-time leader, was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 1981, accumulating 2,112 yards and 24 touchdowns, including contributions from the Sugar Bowl. He rushed for 1,975 yards and 22 touchdowns on 410 carries, with 137 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns on 17 receptions, for a total of 427 touches.
Garrison Hearst, also a Heisman finalist, achieved 2,032 yards and 23 touchdowns in 1992, with the Citrus Bowl included in his statistics. He rushed for 1,710 yards and 21 touchdowns on 251 carries, and recorded 322 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns on 23 receptions, totaling 2,322 yards from scrimmage on 274 touches.
Knowshon Moreno was a notable contributor in 2008, tallying 1,792 yards and 18 touchdowns.he rushed for 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns on 250 carries, and added 392 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns on 33 receptions, for a total of 283 touches.
Musa Smith’s 2002 season featured 1,431 yards and 8 touchdowns.He rushed for 1,324 yards and 9 touchdowns on 260 carries, with 107 receiving yards