Georgia Bulldogs: 5 playmakers who will thrive in 2016

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Sep 26, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel (1) runs through the Southern University Jaguars defense on his way to a touchdown during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Southern 48-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

When starting running back Nick Chubb went down with an ACL tear in Knoxville in October, that meant that fellow five-star tailback Sony Michel would have to become the focal point of the reeling UGA offense.

Michel is a different type of back than Chubb. Michel isn’t as physical of a running back as Chubb, but still has high top-end speed, as well as being able to thrive in the screen passing game. New offensive coordinator Jim Chaney will likely use UGA’s depth at both tailback and tight end to his advantage in 2016 to hopefully improve the play at quarterback and wide receiver.

While Sony Michel and Nick Chubb will certainly split carries in the Georgia Bulldogs’ backfield, Chaney has to know that he has two elite true juniors as tailbacks on his roster. In all likelihood, Chaney will probably only get one year to use that tandem before either one enters the 2017 NFL Draft, forgoing their senior season Between the Hedges.

What Sony Michel did in extended time in 2015 makes one think that he could rush for over 1,000 yards as a true junior and may even approach 1,500 all-purpose yards with his great receiving game. If Jim Chaney wants to move the chains when conventional methods just aren’t working, he should lean on Sony Michel’s all-around great offensive game to put the Dawgs in the end zone for six points.

Next: 2. Isaac Nauta

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