7 days ago
Kirby Smart explains why Georgia RB has been absent from practice
The Georgia Bulldogs have been without Illinois Fighting Illini transfer running back Josh McCray to start fall camp. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart provided a quick update on why McCray has been absent from practice.
Smart told Anthony Dasher that McCray has been missing due to an illness and is expected to return soon. McCray is expected to play a large role in the Georgia offense this season. The senior runs with a physical, bruising style, but is still adapting to Georgia's offensive system after transferring to UGA during the spring window.
McCray brings experience to a Georgia backfield that lost almost 50% of its rushing production from last season after Trevor Etienne enter the draft and Branson Robinson transferred to Georgia State.
In 2024, McCray recorded a team-best 117 carries, 609 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns (No. 9 in the Big Ten/tied) with Illinois. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound back is tough to bring down on first contact. McCray lacks elite speed, but that did not stop him from shredding the South Carolina defense in Illinois' bowl game.
We project McCray to be Georgia's top power running back this season and have him slotted to be the Dawgs' No. 2 running back behind third-team All-SEC selection Nate Frazier.
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