Nick Chubb's recovery from a knee injury might be moving along at a promising rate, but the running back position is still one of the biggest question marks for Georgia heading into 216.
Even if Chubb is ready to go when the Dawgs open the season Sept. 3, he's unlikely to see a full load of touches. Second option Sony Michel, who filled in nicely with 1,161 yards and 8 TDs when Chubb went down against Tennessee last season, is uncertain with a broken forearm. That leaves the third running back on the depth chart, senior Brendan Douglas.
Douglas has played sparingly in his career, having to sit behind the likes of Todd Gurley, Keith Marshall as well as Chubb and Michel. But when he has seen the field, he's been more than capable, rushing for 715 yards and 5 TDs on 175 attempts. His first extended action came in 2013 filling in for an injured Gurley against Missouri. He totaled 70 yards on 14 carries, and caught 6 passes for 43 yards and 1 TD. He played a pivotal against Missouri again in 2014, rushing 13 times for 65 yards and 1 TD.
So, even if Chubb exceeds expectations and suits up for the opener against North Carolina, first-year head coach Kirby Smart would be wise to keep his star back on a short leash. That said, having a steady veteran behind whoever starts at quarterback will be paramount. Particularly if it's true freshman Jacob Eason under center. And it's a job that Douglas should be well-prepared for,
