Georgia Bulldogs Spring Practice Preview: Running Backs Prepare for Bigger Roles
With spring football right around the corner, the Georgia Bulldogs are gearing up for another season of competition. The team is set to begin spring practice on Tuesday, March 11, marking the first of 15 sessions that will help shape their preparation for the 2025 season. While these practices serve as the early groundwork for the team, they will offer valuable insight into how the roster is developing ahead of the fall campaign.
As part of the lead-up to spring ball, we’re diving into an in-depth look at each position group, analyzing the strengths, uncertainties, and key storylines to watch. Today, the focus is on Georgia’s running backs, a unit that will be under the spotlight as players step up to fill crucial roles.
What We Know About Georgia’s Running Backs
Georgia enters the 2025 season with its leading rusher from last year returning; however, the team also lost a major contributor in the offseason.
Trevor Etienne, who played a significant role in Georgia’s ground attack last fall, made the decision to enter the NFL Draft, a move that caught many within the program off guard. With Etienne moving on, the responsibility now shifts to Nate Frazier, a rising sophomore who led the Bulldogs in rushing last season. Frazier’s freshman campaign was an impressive start to his college career, and he will be expected to take on an even larger role in 2025.
Behind Frazier, Georgia has depth and experience, but several players will need to elevate their performances. Branson Robinson and Roderick Robinson are both back for another year, though their 2024 seasons were derailed by injuries. If they can return to full health, both have the potential to be significant contributors in the Bulldogs’ backfield.
Meanwhile, Cash Jones was a reliable presence in third-down situations last season and is expected to continue in that role. In addition to Frazier, Georgia had two other true freshman tailbacks in 2024—Chauncey Bowens and Dwight Phillips Jr.—both of whom will be returning for 2025. Their continued development will be something to monitor throughout the spring.
Georgia also made additions to its running back group, bringing in Bo Walker, a talented freshman, as well as Micah Bell, a transfer from Vanderbilt and the younger brother of Georgia wide receiver Dillon Bell. These new arrivals will provide further competition and depth as the Bulldogs prepare for the upcoming season.
Uncertainties Surrounding the Running Back Position
One of the biggest unknowns heading into spring practice is the availability of Georgia’s injured running backs.
Branson Robinson suffered an MCL injury last season during a game against Mississippi State and was unable to return for the remainder of the year. Meanwhile, Roderick Robinson saw limited action throughout 2024 but was able to get on the field in November before suffering an ankle injury while preparing for the Sugar Bowl. It remains to be seen whether either of them will be at full strength for spring ball and, if they are available, how much they will be able to contribute during practice sessions.
Another major question is who will step up as Georgia’s No. 2 running back behind Frazier. While Frazier is clearly the team’s top option entering the 2025 season, the race for the next spot in the rotation is still wide open. If either of the Robinsons is fully recovered, they could be strong contenders for that role. However, if injuries continue to be a concern, it opens the door for other players—including Bowens, Phillips, or even newcomer Walker—to make their case for more playing time.
Additionally, the progress of Georgia’s younger backs remains uncertain. This spring will be Dwight Phillips Jr.’s first full offseason with the Bulldogs, and Chauncey Bowens will be going through his second spring practice at Georgia. How much each of them has developed since arriving in Athens will be something to track over the next several weeks.
What We’re Waiting to See in Spring Practice
One of the primary storylines to watch will be updates on the health of Branson and Roderick Robinson. Head coach Kirby Smart is expected to address their statuses during his first spring press conference on March 11. If one of them is limited in practice, it could provide a significant opportunity for the other to secure the No. 2 running back position.
Frazier’s continued development will also be a focal point during the spring. The sophomore impressed as a freshman, but he did struggle with ball security issues, particularly with fumbles. Observing whether he has improved in this area will be crucial in determining his ability to be a reliable lead back for Georgia in 2025.
Furthermore, the coaching staff will closely monitor the adjustment of freshman Bo Walker to the demands of playing in the SEC. As an early enrollee, Walker will have the advantage of going through spring practice, giving him a head start in learning the Bulldogs’ system. His performance in these early sessions could indicate whether he is ready to compete for playing time in the fall.
Final Thoughts
As Georgia kicks off spring practice, the running back room will be one of the most closely watched position groups. The Bulldogs have plenty of talent, but with Trevor Etienne gone, players will need to step up to fill the void he left behind.
While Nate Frazier is expected to be the focal point of Georgia’s rushing attack, the battle for the No. 2 running back role remains wide open. The availability and performance of Branson and Roderick Robinson, the growth of Chauncey Bowens and Dwight Phillips Jr., and the development of newcomers like Bo Walker and Micah Bell will all play key roles in determining how the depth chart shakes out.
Georgia’s coaching staff will use these spring practices to evaluate the group and begin formulating their plan for the fall. With Kirby Smart set to address the media on March 11, fans should get their first glimpse into how the Bulldogs’ backfield is shaping up.
By the time spring practice concludes, the picture should be clearer regarding which players are primed for bigger roles in 2025—and whether Georgia has the depth and firepower in the backfield to remain one of college football’s elite teams.
