Over the course of the past two months or so, Georgia has watched as their leading rusher from the past two seasons, Washaun Ealey, left the football program as well as Caleb King declaring for the NFL’s supplemental draft after being ruled academically ineligible for the 2011 season.
Those twin departures created a bit of a hole in the depth chart behind true freshman and presumptive running game workhorse Isaiah Crowell. Today, the program announced a move aimed at filling the holes at the running back position created this offseason.
In a release, UGA announced that linebacker Richard Samuel has been moved from the defensive side back to the offensive backfield. Samuel was a tailback as a freshman (2008) and sophomore (2009), but moved to linebacker last year due in part to the switch to a 3-4 defense. He did not play in 2010 because of an injury and took a redshirt.
Now, if/when he plays in 2011, it will be at the position he played upon arriving in Athens.
“After discussions with Richard, his family, and our coaches I’m excited that Richard wants to make the move,” said head coach Mark Richt in a statement. “He’s one of our fastest and most powerful players, is very mature, has a strong character and is a man we can count on. I¹m proud of him for always putting the team first and I look forward to seeing what he can do.”
“I’m excited about the opportunity at tailback,” said Samuel. “I’m ready to do anything that will help the team win.”
During his two years as a RB at UGA, Samuel rushed for 528 yards -- on 114 carries -- and three touchdowns. He played in 22 games, starting six of those contests.