Durability questions arise as McKenzie takes on added offensive role
By John Hollis
Published:
It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy that could reap huge dividends for Georgia coach Mark Richt.
Or it could backfire and deny the Bulldogs the services of one of their most explosive playmakers.
Wanting to increase Isaiah McKenzie’s offensive load at wide receiver makes perfect sense to anybody who has seen the versatile sophomore play. As a true freshman last year, he proved himself a home-run threat every time he touched ball as a return man. What coach wouldn’t want to get the ball in McKenzie’s hands more often?
But there are questions as to whether the slight 5-foot-8, 170-pounder can physically withstand the added grind that comes with the increased responsibilities. McKenzie, who is practicing as a receiver with Georgia’s first-team offense, has missed several practices with a hamstring injury.
It’s not the first hamstring injury to befall McKenzie this year. A hamstring limited McKenzie early in 2015 before the spring game. He improved, and then aggravated the injury during the G-Day game. McKenzie experienced his share of bumps and bruises in 2014 as well.
But Georgia coach Mark Richt didn’t sound all that concerned.
“We don’t think it’s real severe,” he said, according to the Macon Telegraph. “But those things take a while.”
Reggie Davis assumed McKenzie’s spot with the starters as it remains to be seen when McKenzie returns.
Hamstrings are tricky injuries that require rest to avoid nagging issues. The many hard cuts and sudden starts and stops necessary to play receiver only add additional stress to the body.
It remains to be seen whether McKenzie is durable enough for the double duty.
Time is hardly on Georgia’s side as the season’s start nears, starting with the Sept. 5 opener with Louisiana-Monroe.
McKenzie excelled on special teams last fall, matching the school record for the most punt returns for a touchdown (2) and the most touchdown returns in a season (3) to earn first-team, All-SEC accolades as a punt returner.
He became the first person in school history and just the 12th ever to return both a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns when he did so against Kentucky. He also ran the ball seven times for 78 yards and caught six passes for 67 more yards, averaging 11.2 yards per touch.
McKenzie’s special teams prowess will again be a big factor in the pivotal battle of field position this fall. That Richt plans to feature him prominently as a receiver could be indicative of play-making abilities — or lack thereof — of those playing alongside senior Malcolm Mitchell.
In addition to the injuries, McKenzie endured a suspension for last year’s Belk Bowl against Louisville.
There’s no doubt the sophomore is an asset to the team with the ball in his hands. But he needs to stay on the field, as the Bulldogs have spent too many games with offensive playmakers like Keith Marshall and Todd Gurley sidelined by injury or suspension in recent seasons.
John Hollis is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Georgia and Florida.
