Georgia Football: RB Battle Highlights Bulldogs' 2012 Preseason Depth Chart

Georgia running back Isaiah Crowell lived up to the hype on the field during his freshman season.

The Columbus, Ga., native earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors from the Associated Press in 2011, rushing for 850 yards and five touchdowns for the Bulldogs.

But off-the-field issues and questions about his durability put Crowell's spot atop the depth chart in jeopardy this offseason, and Georgia confirmed that on Tuesday when it released its preseason depth chart.

Crowell is listed as the first-team tailback along with fellow sophomore Ken Malcome. 

Malcome rushed for 174 yards on 42 carries last season, including a career high of 51 yards in Georgia's Outback Bowl loss to Michigan State.

It was clear that Crowell had a fight on his hands to be Georgia's feature back in 2012, and Tuesday's release of the depth chart only confirms it. Not only is he fighting Malcome for the spot, true freshman Keith Marshall and Todd Gurley are also expected to contend for playing time.

Mitchell Not Listed on Offense

Malcolm Mitchell was named to the SEC's All-Freshman Team last season as a wide receiver, but was moved to defensive back—a position that he excelled at in high school—this spring to help out with Georgia's depth issues.

It looks like he may be staying there—for a while, anyway.

Mitchell is listed as Georgia's second-team cornerback behind Sanders Commings on the depth chart. He is not listed anywhere on the offensive side of the football.

Does that mean that defensive back is Mitchell's only position now? No.

With Commings and fellow cornerback Branden Smith suspended to start the season, and linebacker Alec Ogletree and safety Bacarri Rambo also facing suspension, Mitchell's services are desperately needed on defense.

When all members of Georgia's defense return to the field, expect Mitchell to get more looks back on the offensive side of the ball.

Mason Listed as Second-Team Quarterback

Junior quarterback Hutson Mason is listed as Georgia's second-team quarterback, despite the fact that he is expected to redshirt this season to create space between he and fellow junior Aaron Murray.

It's probably just for insurance. Mason will probably have his redshirt taken off if Murray has to miss significant time for whatever reason. But in mop-up situations and situations that call for spot snaps, expect Christian LeMay to be the de facto backup.

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