Georgia Bulldogs: What does signing Brian Herrien mean?

Jan 2, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; The Georgia Bulldogs come out of the tunnel prior to the 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; The Georgia Bulldogs come out of the tunnel prior to the 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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On Wednesday, May 18, it was confirmed that New Manchester High running back Brian Herrien would begin his college career with the Georgia Bulldogs.

Brian Herrien, according to 247Sports, is a three-star recruit, No. 19 running back, and No. 402 overall recruit for the 2016 class.

It wasn’t until the 6’1”, 210 lb. running back made academic improvements that he received an offer from UGA. In fact, his decision was delayed three months after National Signing Day due to his grades. It took the combination of a straight “A” semester and an ACT score of 18 to seal the deal for Herrien.

Then there’s his athletic ability. In his senior year at New Manchester High School in Douglassville, Georgia, he totaled 1,873 yards rushing and 14 rushing touchdowns.

Though Herrien signed with the Georgia Bulldogs, nothing is set in stone. He missed the April 1 deadline to sign a letter of intent, and instead signed financial aid paperwork.

However, it is unlikely that he will decide to go with another school at the last-minute. Herrien reportedly has a great relationship with Georgia’s coaching staff.

On Tuesday, in regards to his commitment to the Bulldogs, Herrien said, “It feels good – I have been waiting on this moment for a long time.”

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Georgia Bulldogs’ head coach Kirby Smart is also very pleased with the acquisition. According to coach Smart, “He’s going to improve our overall team.”

The addition of Herrien is a chance for Smart to improve the team’s depth at running back, a place that he believes needs development.

While everyone will be expecting a big season from Nick Chubb, it is important to keep in mind that he is returning from a knee injury in 2015.
“Nick’s doing great,” said Smart. “Nick’s working hard. Our depth is not where it needs to be at that position, but if he’s 100 percent than it would be, but we aren’t where we need to be there and we’re trying to improve that.”

Next: Georgia Bulldogs: Three bold predictions for 2016

All in all, the Georgia Bulldogs needed another body at running back, and Herrien was the recruit for the job. Though he may or may not shock the SEC with a stellar performance in 2016, his presence will bring depth to the team in both the present and future.