Milton has visions of an impactful season as a unit

Georgia running back Kendall Milton (2) during the Bulldogs’ practice scrimmage session in Athens, Ga., on Sat., Aug. 21, 2021. (Photo by Mackenzie Miles)

Georgia sophomore running back Kendall Milton is one of five players at his position that have a productive season in 2020.

The Bulldogs are led by seniors Zamir White and James Cook. However, the supporting cast of Kenny McIntosh, Milton and Daijun Edwards make Georgia one of the best position rooms at running back in the nation.

Milton said in an interview with reporters on Thursday that this group is “something special.”

“It’s crazy we have this many talented backs on one roster,” Milton said. “Everybody has that big-time running back type of potential. Like I said before, everybody has different tools and different ways they can contribute to the game … Having this much talent in one room is something you don’t see a lot.”

Milton highlighted that each player brings their own strength to the playing field.

“Every day in practice, it’s little things,” Milton said. “Trying to get down your vision, making the right reads, and just letting the cards play out with everybody. We’re a running back room that has a lot of talent. Everybody is super-talented in different aspects. We’re using our talents to our advantage and trying our best to make big plays.”

White and Edwards are known for their ability to run defenders over and get yards after contact. Cook is a scat-type of running back that can break away with his speed on the perimeter. McIntosh is a player that is great in open space that can also hit the second or third level with his quickness and downfield vision. Meanwhile, Milton is a bruiser type of running back, who can run successfully in between the tackles and bounce to the outside if he needs to.

As Georgia prepares for its season opener against Clemson, the running backs are working together in offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s second season as the play-caller. The Tigers have one of the best defensive fronts in the nation and they ranked No. 15 in rush defense last season. Even so, each Bulldog running back averaged at least 5.2 yards per carry in 2020. Still, Monken and the five tailbacks in Georgia’s stable are going to have to try and find a way to produce against a talented Clemson front seven.

Milton gave credit to the Tigers, who only allowed 3.1 yards per attempt last season.

‘They’re definitely a great defensive team,” Milton said. “They have a lot of weapons and a lot of players we’re looking out for. But, practicing against our defense, our defensive line, linebacking corps, it’s a best in the country type of defense. So, as a running back room, a running back group, those guys are preparing us as well.”

Despite the pressure, Milton is excited for the challenge of starting the season out against a team like the Tigers.

"I feel like, with the type of school that we go to, a school with a lot of talent, so everybody works for moments and works to get their chance,” Milton said. “We are super excited for the season. Playing with what we have, everybody is just excited with the talent that we have on the field, just excited to attack the opportunity."

Here is the video from Milton’s interview: