Georgia has long been known as “RBU” for its rich history of producing elite running backs. From Herschel Walker to Todd Gurley to Nick Chubb to D’Andre Swift to James Cook, the Bulldogs have consistently recruited and developed top-tier talent at the position. However, heading into the 2026 recruiting cycle, Georgia must prioritize replenishing its backfield depth as natural attrition looms.
With Nate Frazier expected to be the Bulldogs’ primary ball carrier in 2025, there will be stiff competition among Branson Robinson, Roderick Robinson, Chauncey Bowens, Dwight Phillips, Cash Jones, and Bo Walker for snaps and carries. That kind of logjam often leads to movement in the transfer portal, and Georgia is likely to lose at least one—if not two or three—backs following the 2025 season. Kirby Smart and his staff have to anticipate this and ensure they bring in a strong group in the Class of 2026 to keep the tradition alive.
Georgia’s Recruiting Approach
Historically, Georgia has recruited multiple running backs in each class to maintain depth and create competition. The Bulldogs took three in 2024—Nate Frazier, Dwight Phillips Jr., and Chauncey Bowens—and they could take a similar approach in 2026.
The coaching staff has already identified three priority targets in the 2026 class:
- Jae Lamar (Colquitt County, GA)
- Derrek Cooper (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
- Savion Hiter (Virginia)
Breaking Down the Targets
Jae Lamar (Colquitt County, GA)
Lamar is an in-state talent who plays for one of Georgia’s top high school programs, Colquitt County. He’s a powerful, well-built back with a physical running style that fits the mold of recent Georgia greats. At 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, Lamar combines strength with surprising agility, making him a perfect candidate for Georgia’s downhill rushing attack.
Keeping top Georgia talent in-state is always a priority, and Lamar is a must-get for running back coach Josh Crawford and the Bulldogs. Crawford coached at Colquitt County in his high school coaching career and has a special connection to the school and the area that Lamar is from. With that, Georgia should be considered the favorite in this recruitment.
Derrek Cooper (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Cooper brings a different skill set to the table. He’s a dynamic, all-purpose back with elite speed and receiving ability. At 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, Cooper has a similar skill set to James Cook—someone who can line up in the backfield or the slot and create mismatches. His ability to contribute in the passing game would add another dimension to Georgia’s offense, making him an extremely valuable target. Cooper also has elite vision and patience. In the backfield, he lets the play develop and accelerates through the hole. Cooper does a nice job of setting up blocks on the perimeter in the passing game as well. The Miami Hurricanes will be the main competition for Georgia in Cooper’s recruitment.
Savion Hiter (Virginia)
Hiter has a skillset that can be summarized in one word, sudden. He has great size at 6-foot and 200 pounds but has a devastating ability to make one cut while running virtually full speed. Think D’Andre Swift’s cutting ability. Hiter has a college-ready frame and runs with a physical edge. Georgia has successfully recruited out of Virginia in recent years, and he would be another big win in that region.
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Kirby Smart knows that Georgia must run the ball better than it did in the 2024 season. A strong push to reload at the position will help restore the Dawgs’ dominance on the ground.
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Photographer: Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire
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