Georgia Bulldogs: Top 5 Sophomores Entering 2015
By John Buhler
Nov 8, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel (1) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Sony Michel came to Athens last year as one of two 5-Star RB recruits in the High School Class of 2014. Michel had a good, but not great 2014 freshman season for the Georgia Bulldogs, mostly due to missing significant time due to a lingering shoulder injury suffered against Troy University in Week 3.
As a true freshman, Sony Michel rushed for 410 yards on 64 carries and scored 5 rushing touchdowns. He also accumulated an additional 106 receiving yards on 7 receptions and another touchdown for Georgia. His averages per carry and catch (6.4 and 15.1, respectively) signify that Sony has the necessary quickness to make plays in space for new UGA Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
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Even if Michel did miss the entire month of October last year for the Dawgs and only played in 3 SEC Conference Games, I think Sony’s sample size is sufficient to make me feel confident that he can play even better under Schottenheimer in 2015. Schottenheimer loves to build his offense around strong tight end play and speedy backs that can also receive.
In limited action, I think Sony Michel has a very strong year for the Dawgs as a true sophomore. While I don’t think he will rush for over 1,000 yards in a very deep UGA RB group, I can see Sony obtaining close to 1,250 all-purpose yards for the Georgia Bulldogs to go along with his 8 touchdown scores. When Sony Michel is healthy, it gives UGA the ability to strike in a hurry while giving other star players the opportunity to cheer him on from the sidelines getting much-needed rest.
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