Time for Georgia Tailbacks to grow up

Isaiah Crowell was viewed by many to be the missing piece for Georgia, the back that Mark Richt has lacked since Knowshon Moreno, and just the person to run Georgia to the SEC Championship. Crowell has certainly been a star when on the field, but several times this season the Bulldog Nation has had to watch Crowell on the sidelines while less-talented backs toted the rock.

Carlton Thomas was never viewed as the next Garrison Hearst, but after Caleb King and Washaun Ealey left the team following the 2010 season, Thomas was by default the best returning rusher from one year ago. Thomas though has missed several golden opportunities to shine based on poor decisions.

Those two Georgia running backs really need to grow up and in a hurry. Crowell and Thomas hold Georgia’s rushing fate in their hands and it is time for them to act the part. Richard Samuel is injured and likely won’t play against Georgia Tech and Ken Malcome laid it on the ground last week against Kentucky after failing to really set the world on fire this season in limited opportunities. With all due respect to Brandon Harton and Branden Smith, the running game against Tech starts and stops with Crowell and Thomas. Both Mark Richt and Mike Bobo believe the two should be able to play, but the two first need a reality check.

Thomas, enough with the suspensions already. Get your head on straight. You know the rules; live by them. Crowell, the same goes for you. And also remember that this is the SEC. You will feel pain before, during and after games. Play through pain, stop when you are hurt. Trust your trainers, coaches and teammates. They are looking out for your well-being.

Time may just be running out for these running backs. The nation’s top running back recruit Keith Marshall announced yesterday that he will announce his college decision in early December. Word is Georgia leads Clemson in the race for the Raleigh, North Carolina back. Todd Gurley, another North Carolina athlete that is projected to play running back was also in Athens last week and could have Georgia on his mind come National Signing Day. Last season we were saying the same thing about Ealey and King. Sadly we are now saying the same thing about Thomas and Crowell. Hopefully Bulldog Nation won’t be saying the same thing next year about Marshall and Gurley.