Bleacher Report ranks top CFB backfields for 2021 – Where is Georgia?

Georgia football, or ‘RBU’, has one of the best backfields in college football. Where does UGA rank in Bleacher Reports’ top backfields?

Bleacher Report recently released its list of the top college football backfields for the 2021 season. Georgia football, referred to as ‘RBU’ by many, came in at No. 7 on the list, ahead of only Texas (8).

UGA’s backfield is once again loaded headed into 2021. Leading rushers from a year ago, Zamir White and James Cook, return for their senior seasons, along with junior Kenny McIntosh and sophomore Daijun Edwards and perhaps the most talented running back in the room, sophomore Kendall Milton.

Here’s what Bleacher Report wrote on Georgia’s No. 7 ranking:

“Considering the college-to-pro pipeline Georgia has established in the last 10 years, it’s no surprise top-ranked running backs have flocked to Athens. The level of talent in this position room is absurd, really. Over the last two seasons, Zamir White has rushed for 1,187 yards and 14 touchdowns. James Cook has posted 300-plus yards from scrimmage in each of the last three seasons, including a career-best 528 last year. Kenny McIntosh added 362 scrimmage yards, and Daijun Edwards ripped off a 100-yard game late in 2020, too. For good measure, Kendall Milton tallied 193 yards on just 35 carries. All five players are expected to return in 2021, giving Georgia a near-unending supply of upside in the backfield.”

But who could possibly be ranked ahead of Georgia here?

  • No. 6 – Texas A&M (Isaiah Spiller, Devon Achane, Earnest Crownover, Deondre Jackson, Darvon Hubbard)
  • No. 5 – BYU (Tyler Allgeier, Lopini Katoa, Sione Finau, Jackson McChesney)
  • No. 4 – Notre Dame (Kyren Williams, Chris Tyree. C’Bo Flemister)
  • No. 3 – Oregon (CJ Verdell, Travis Dye)

  • No. 2 – Appalachian State (Camerun Peoples, Daetrich Harrington,  Nate Noel, Marcus Williams Jr., Jahmir Smith)
  • No. 1 – Oklahoma (Kennedy Brooks, Eric Gray, Marcus Major)

See the full rankings here.

 

Georgia scores first on a Kenny McIntosh TD run

Georgia football strikes first after a 2 yard Kenny McIntosh TD run.

Georgia strikes first on the road against Mizzou.

After an interception by Eric Stokes at the 50, which he returned to the Missouri 23, Georgia opted only for running plays, eventually leading to a 2 yard score by Kenny McIntosh.

Here is the interception:

And here is the score.

 

 

Georgia RB out against Kentucky

Per reports, Georgia football will be without a key running back against Kentucky.

In addition to wide receiver George Pickens, running back Kenny McIntosh will reportedly miss today’s Georgia game against Kentucky.

Per Kirby Smart, McIntosh, a sophomore, did not dress out after being limited during the bye week with a knee injury.

McIntosh has been one of the biggest surprises this season for the Bulldogs, and ranks third nationally in kick return average, with an average return of 36.33 yards.

Georgia RB out against Kentucky

Per reports, Georgia football will be without a key running back against Kentucky.

In addition to wide receiver George Pickens, running back Kenny McIntosh will reportedly miss today’s Georgia game against Kentucky.

Per Kirby Smart, McIntosh, a sophomore, did not dress out after being limited during the bye week with a knee injury.

McIntosh has been one of the biggest surprises this season for the Bulldogs, and ranks third nationally in kick return average, with an average return of 36.33 yards.

A look at Georgia’s 2020 running back room

A breakdown of Georgia football’s running backs for the upcoming 2020 college football season.

It seems like every time an elite running back leaves the University of Georgia, there is another one ready to step in the very next year.

This offseason headlines the departure of running backs D’Andre Swift and Brian Herrien.

Swift was selected 35th overall by the Detroit Lions in the second-round of the 2020 NFL Draft, while Herrien signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Cleveland Browns.  Herrien finished with 1,413 yards and 13 touchdowns during his career at UGA. Swift finished with 2,885 yards and 20 touchdowns in a year less.

Georgia’s offense will lose a lot of production with these two gone, but now it’s time to look at who will be carrying the load for the Dawgs in 2020 and beyond.

1. Zamir White (RS So.) –


Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Nobody has dealt with adversity as well as Zamir White has. Coming in as the No. 1 running back in the 2018 class, White endured two knee surgeries in under two years. White redshirted his freshman year and has begun to show why he was the top running back recruit in the country.

White was the third back in 2019, playing behind D’Andre Swift and Brian Herrien. He showed glimpses of greatness in this year’s Sugar Bowl, getting 18 carries for 92 yards and a touchdown. Hopefully White will be able to maintain his health and have a breakout year for the red and black as RB1.

2. James Cook (Jr.) –


Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

James Cook has had it tough during his time in Athens.  With a seriously talented backfield ahead of him for the past two years, the former five-star could see his opportunities increase drastically this season.

Cook is a great receiving back and could be used perfectly outside of the backfield with the Dawgs’ new offensive coordinator Todd Monken.  Monken was known to use his running backs as receiving threats during his time as OC on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns, which will be fun to watch with Cook. Cook averaged 9.2 yards-per-reception, capitalizing on his few opportunities. Look for Kirby Smart and Monken to get creative with the way they use Cook in 2020.

3. Kenny McIntosh (So.) –


Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny McIntosh could potentially take the No. 2 spot behind White this season over Cook. Now entering his sophomore season, McIntosh was ranked as the #11 running back prospect in the country for the 2019 recruiting class. He didn’t get that many touches last season, but made them count when he did. McIntosh eluded an Arkansas State defender this year on his way to a 61-yard touchdown.

4. Kendall Milton (Fr.) –

Kendall Milton is an incoming freshman that could make a huge difference for Georgia’s offense this year.  Milton is listed as the 7th running back in the country, per 247Sports.  Milton is the ideal all-around back with power, size, speed, vision and elusiveness. The Clovis, California native was at the top of many teams’ wishlists, but Milton chose the Dawgs.

If you watch Milton’s high school film, he plays with amazing vision and poise that you typically see out of elite college and NFL backs. His patience and his power are his two strongest attributes. Milton is expected to make a big splash in the SEC this season.

Watch Milton’s senior highlights here:

UGA football player card: RB Kenny McIntosh

Georgia Bulldogs running back Kenny McIntosh is projected to have a larger role for Todd Monken and UGA’s offense in 2020

Running Back Kenny McIntosh (#6):

Class: Sophomore

Height: 6-1

Weight: 210 pounds

Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

High School: University School

Georgia Bulldogs running back Kenny McIntosh is projected to have a larger role for Todd Monken and UGA’s offense in 2020. McIntosh played in twelve games as a freshman.

He averaged seven yards per carry, but only touted the rock 25 times for 174 rushing yards. His 62 yard touchdown against Arkansas State was UGA’s longest rush of the season. McIntosh was a key special teams player for Georgia last season.

Look for him to be more involved in Georgia’s rushing attack next season following the departure of D’Andre Swift. Zamir White is projected to start and James Cook is a beter receiving threat, but McIntosh may be next in line. McIntosh came to Georgia as a four-star recruit from University School.

Kenny’s brother, RJ, played at Miami and recorded two sacks from the defensive tackle position for the New York Giants last season. Will Kenny join his brother in the NFL?

Jan 1, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana; Georgia Bulldogs running back Kenny McIntosh runs past Baylor Bears safety JT Woodsduring the third quarter of the Sugar Bowl. Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

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