Published September 1, 2012 - 7:40pm
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Georgia has found a tailback for 2012, and he comes by way of freshman Todd Gurley.
Gurley entered Georgia as more of an insurance policy, not as hyped as fellow freshman Keith Marshall. Marshall was the early enrollee, while Gurley was not.
All fall camp we heard about how Todd Gurley was making plays, and he even drew several comparisons to former Bama star Trent Richardson.
We found out why today.
Gurley was a man among boys against Buffalo.
He provided an early spark with 10 minutes left in the first quarter for a 10-yard touchdown run.
But he wasn’t done, and he housed a 100-yard kickoff return midway through the first quarter as well.
And he saved his best play at running back for last, scoring on a 55-yard touchdown run that made it 45-16 in favor of Georgia.
Gurley finished with eight carries for 100 yards and two touchdowns in the running game alone.
I know it was against Buffalo, but you have to like the big, strong and fast presence he brings in the running game. Ken Malcome and Keith Marshall will get a lot of playing time, too. But Gurley is the Dawgs’ guy in the backfield.
There are several things he can improve on, most notably his pass blocking, but overall, it was a coming out party for a team that was looking for a running back.
This kid is a star, and he will only get better, because his knowledge and understanding of the offense will improve throughout the season.
This kid is going to be fun to watch.
I’m not sure either of those long plays (55 and 100yds) score in the SEC, but that kid is gonna be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC East.