Kirby Smart outlines areas where Nate Frazier has improved since freshman year
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Last season, Nate Frazier emerged as one of the standout players for Georgia, leading the team with an impressive 671 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns on 133 carries. Yet, for the talented running back from California, the journey has not been without challenges—most notably, maintaining composure and ball security under pressure.
As he gears up for his sophomore year, it’s clear that Frazier has dedicated himself to improvement this offseason. He’s added weight to his frame, enhancing his explosiveness while developing into a more powerful presence on the field.
Head coach Kirby Smart has taken notice of Frazier’s growth as he prepares for the season opener.
“His knowledge and pickups,” Smar remarked. “Third down, pass pro, knowing when I can get in, when I can get out, when I have to stay in and protect, how I protect. The knowledge and understanding of that is not having to rely on the quarterback to tell you, I think that’s big. His confidence in his run and his ability to give effort and conditioning level is much better than he was as a freshman.”
With Gunner Stockton stepping up as a reliable deep-ball passer and an expanded roster of wide receivers at his disposal, the Bulldogs offense could be quite explosive if they can integrate Frazier early in the game plan. The rising sophomore possesses an innate ability to set the tone on the field; if he continues this upward trajectory into 2025 and if Georgia’s offensive line strengthens its performance in the trenches, we could witness a resurgence reminiscent of Kirby Smart’s earlier teams that thrived with a dominant running back like Nate Frazier.
Georgia fans will get their first opportunity to see if Frazier evolves into the dynamic offense when the Bulldogs open the season at home against Marshall on Aug. 30. Kickoff from Sanford Stadium in Athens is set for 2:30 p.m. ET.
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
