Kirby Smart Names Georgia Running Back 'Setting The Tempo' Ahead Of 2024 Season

The Georgia Bulldogs' ground game will feature some new talent in 2024 after the NFL departure of a pair of starters this offseason.

Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton finished as the team's top rushers in 2023, combining for over 1,500 yards with 27 touchdowns. Roderick Robinson II finished third with 196 yards and two scores, while walk-on Cash Jones came in fourth with 161 yards and a score.

With Milton and Edwards entering their first season as pros, Georgia was left with a glaring void of experience in the backfield. Enter Florida transfer Trevor Etienne, a junior signee that totaled over 1,600 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns in 24 games as a Gator.

There were questions regarding how the Bulldogs would insert Etienne with Roderick Robinson and Branson Robinson, returning from a knee injury that kept him out all of 2023, in the lineup this season.

According to head coach Kirby Smart, it seems that Etienne has emerged as the leader of the largely young group of ball carriers.

"I feel like Trevor's the leader of the room and understands things and does a really good job of setting the tempo and setting the standard," Smart said on Tuesday.

Etienne (5-foot-9, 205 pounds) showed impressive burst and catching ability in Georgia's spring game. It was our first look at the Jennings, Louisiana, native in a UGA uniform. Etienne seemed to thrive behind one of the best offensive lines in the nation.

Pairing Etienne's quickness and change-of-direction with the power punch of the Robinson(s) should give the Bulldogs a compliment to Heisman Trophy hopeful Carson Beck and the passing attack.

Georgia will open the season against No. 14 Clemson on Aug. 31 in Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon ET (ABC).

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