One of my favorite things every year is Bruce Feldman of The Athletic’s college football freaks list, and a pair of Georgia Bulldogs appeared in this edition.
The premise of the article is to highlight players with athleticism which seems far-fetched. For example, this year’s top freak is South Carolina’s true freshman Nyckoles Harbor, who stands 6 feet 5 and weighs 243 pounds while clocking a 10.22-second 100-meter dash, a 6.64 in the 60, and a 20.63 in the 200 in high school.
From Athens, Branson Robinson and Brocker Bowers represented the Dawgs. Here’s what Feldman had to say about each:
41. Branson Robinson, Georgia, running back
The Dawgs keep cranking out Freaky running backs, and the 5-10, 220-pound sophomore is one of the most powerful dudes in college football, pound for pound. His bench press this offseason went from 425 to 470 — insane numbers for a running back. He also squats 590 and power-cleaned 315. His broad jump is also elite at 10-7 and his vertical jump is 33 inches. Robinson gained 341 yards in his debut season and capped it off with two touchdown runs in the national title game romp over TCU.
49. Brock Bowers, Georgia, tight end
There are stronger and bigger tight ends, but none are more athletic, as evidenced by all the plays he makes for the Bulldogs. In 2022, the Napa, Calif., native had 63 catches for 942 yards and seven touchdowns, all team highs, but he also had 109 rushing yards on just nine carries. At 6-4, 240, Bowers can broad-jump 10-2, and his 36-inch vert would’ve tied for fourth-best among tight ends at the 2023 combine. His 40 time is somewhere in the 4.5s. Bowers also power-cleaned 355 pounds this offseason to go with a 485-pound squat and a 330-pound bench.
A running back that benches 470 and squats nearly 600 pounds is a certifiable freak. Somehow, the Bulldogs consistently produce freaks at the position. It seems every offseason we see Nick Chubb doing non-human things in the weight room, and even though he hasn’t been as successful as his former teammate, Elijah Holyfield, son of former Heavyweight champion of the world Evander Holyfield, was also an alien.
As for Bowers, what can I say that hasn’t already been said? The California native consistently outruns defensive backs that take proper angles as well as breaking tackles from linebackers and defensive linemen. He might just be the greatest tight end prospect of all time. In less than a year’s time, he’ll hear his name called in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Expect a couple of Georgia Bulldogs to appear on Feldman’s freaks list every year with the way Kirby Smart recruits.
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Photographer: Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire
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