Georgia football practice report: Two running backs absent, while early enrollees make first impressions

Posted by Admin December 27, 2024 Football

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ATHENS — The Georgia running back position has rarely been healthy this season.

That seems to be the case once again entering the Sugar Bowl, as neither Roderick Robinson or Branson Robinson were spotted during the media viewing portion of practice.

Roderick Robinson is believed to have suffered an ankle injury in the run-up to the Notre Dame game. He had been limited earlier this season by a toe injury, before he made his debut in the win over Georgia Tech. He has just 4 carries on the season.

As for Branson Robinson, he has been dealing with an MCL injury that he first picked up in the win over Mississippi State back in October. Georgia has not yet publicly commented on the status of either Robinson, but it is currently believed neither will suit up again for the Bulldogs this season.

With those two out, Trevor Etienne and Nate Frazier should be seen as the top two running backs for Georga, with Cash Jones providing valuable reps as a pass-catcher and pro-blocker. Chauncey Bowens could see some more action, and Georgia coach Kirby Smart didn’t hesitate to get on Bownes and Georgia running backs coach Josh Crawford during the practice. That’s usually a good sign for one’s development.

The media was granted 15 minutes to watch practice on Friday ahead of Wednesday’s game against Notre Dame. Below are some observations from the practice, as well as video that was filmed.

Georgia football practice observations

Gunner Stockton took first-team reps at quarterback, where he received plenty of hands-on instruction from offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. Stockton did lead the team in a seven-on-seven drill, where Stockton was able to squeeze the ball into some tight windows while evading pressure from Bobo. While Stockton to this point has been more known for his legs, he’s got plenty of arm talent, at least when it comes to intermediate throws. Stockton also made a nice throw up the sideline to Oscar Delp when throwing to the tight ends while working on air.
The quarterback pecking order was Stockton as the first quarterback through drills, Ryan Puglisi second and Jaden Rashada as the third quarterback. Puglisi is a true freshman while Rashada is a redshirt freshman. Puglisi and Rashada both looked crisp in their reps. Georgia also had early enrollee Hezekiah Millender going through drills. Early enrollee Ryan Montgomery was present but not dressed out as he recovers from a knee injury.
Quarterback Carson Beck was not spotted at the practice. This isn’t surprising, given he had surgery on Monday to repair his UCL in his elbow. Beck is expected to begin a throwing program in the spring.
Was tough to make any of the newcomers at wide receiver. The Bulldogs did bring in a very promising group, led by 5-star Talyn Taylor and top-100 prospect CJ Wiley. The early enrollees won’t be able to help Georgia during the College Football Playoff run, but they do provide hope for the future of the position.
At tight end, newcomers Ethan Barbour and Elyiss Williams really stand out among the newcomers for Georgia. Barbour displayed some impressive twitch and looks to have the makings of someone who can effectively use his start-and-stop ability. Williams meanwhile towers at the position. He’s listed at 6-foot-7 and his frame will naturally draw comparisons to Darnell Washington. Williams does have a long way to go in terms of filling out his frame physically but that’s not a bad thing, especially given Williams just came from the high school ranks.
On the defensive side of the ball, newcomers Zayden Walker and Isaiah Gibson looked the most physically imposing. Walker was working with the inside linebackers and looks to be a really promising tool for Glenn Schumann to use given his physical gifts. As for Gibson, he looked bigger than expected and was largely working with the defensive linemen, rather than the outside linebackers, while going through drills. Perhaps the Bulldogs could have Gibson play both roles, as Gabe Harris has done for Georgia this season.
Will Muschamp was not with the team on Friday, but that is to be expected as Vanderbilt is taking on Georgia Tech in the Birmingham Bowl. Muschamp was on the sidelines during Goergia’s game in the SEC Championship game.
Damon Wilson did receive some chiding from Kirby Smart, as the Georgia head coach was as loud as ever when using his microphone at practice. While it was in the early stages of a full padded practice, Smart was as an intense as ever.
One of the final plays of the media viewing period was perhaps the most impressive and also a reminder of what could’ve been. Rashada uncorked a deep ball to Colbie Young, who had gotten open behind the defense. Young effortlessly hauled in the pass for a touchdown. Young is still currently suspended as he awaits trial following misdemeanor charges of battery and assaulting an unborn child. A recent change from the NCAA regarding JUCO eligibility does give Young an extra year of eligibility, which could pay off down the road for Georgia.