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The University of Georgia—is it Tailback U? From the legendary days of Herschel Walker, Garrison Hearst, Terrell Davis, and Robert Edwards to the modern days of Musa Smith and Thomas Brown, the Bulldogs have had their share of productive backs...

Georgia Football: Tailback U?

by Brian Roberts (Contributor)

10

1,533 reads

Opinion

June 26, 2008


The University of Georgia—is it Tailback U?

From the legendary days of Herschel Walker, Garrison Hearst, Terrell Davis, and Robert Edwards to the modern days of Musa Smith and Thomas Brown, the Bulldogs have had their share of productive backs.

Yet with all the bright spots over the years, the Dawgs have only had nine running backs go for 1,000 yards or more.

That trend is sure to change.

The coming-out party of redshirt freshman Knowshon Moreno seems to have started a evolution of sorts for the Bulldog backfield.

The four-star back from Belford, New Jersey shocked many pundits by rushing for 1,396 yards and 14 touchdowns after spending the fall of 2006 on the scout team—all while sharing the backfield for much of the season with senior Thomas Brown (779 yards and 10 touchdowns).  Moreno posted 100-plus yards six times while scoring at least a touchdown in eight games.

If that wasn't enough, he saved his best for last.  During the seven-game winning streak to end the season, Moreno tore up defenses for 872 yards and 11 touchdowns on the way to a final ranking of No. 2 for the Bulldogs.

Meanwhile, Georgia keeps rolling in top-tier talent.

The recruiting season of 2007 saw the Bulldogs sign another nationally ranked running back to their repertoire—enter Caleb King.  Like Moreno, King was also ranked a four-star running back by Rivals.com.

The talented King finished his career at perennial power Greater Atlanta Christian after a solid career at Parkview High School in Lilburn, Georgia.  King totaled 4,643 yards with 44 touchdowns despite missing most of his senior season sidelined with a broken leg.

With the injury came questions.  After gaining 20 pounds while injured, many thought King would lose the elusiveness that made him a successful back.  That talk soon ended when King proved during fall camp that he had not lost a step.

After the injury to Kregg Lumpkin during the Vanderbilt game, the backfield seemed to be in jeopardy for the Cocktail Party in Jacksonville.  King, who looked to be heading for a redshirt, had been so successful in practice that Coach Mark Richt looked pressed to keep him off the field.

King ultimately ended up redshirting during the '07 campaign, saving that all-important extra year of eligibility.

During spring practice the coaching staff saw the Caleb King of old, as he finished with 31 yards on six carries in limited time.  Bulldog nation took a collective sigh of relief, easing all worries on whether the Bulldogs would be in good shape if Knowshon were not able to tote the rock.  

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10 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment

  1. Brian Roberts about 1 year ago

    I'm a rookie of sorts. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

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  2. john brewer about 1 year ago

    donny the man. is he a gaytor? good piece but terrell davis? we're talking uga not the broncos. should put worley on the list not davis. but i guess those 600 yards were exciting.

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  3. Donny Marx about 1 year ago

    Georgia = Inbreeding U

    That's what they all major in down south, isn't it?

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  4. Russell Belcher about 1 year ago

    Well the facts are the university of Georgia has had their share of outstanding running backs. From Hershel Walker to Knoshown Moreno. Those are the facts.

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  5. Jordan Coleman about 1 year ago

    I really think that out of all those backs, I think Moreno might just be atop the list of all those by the time he graduates.

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  6. Mark Rupert about 1 year ago

    Good article. I like Robert Edwards, a convert from d back. What would he have done with four years in the backfield. The future is bright.

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  7. Thomas Brown about 1 year ago

    Miami?

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