2017 Player Projection: Brian Herrien

Brian Herrien burst on the scene in an impressive way for a Georgia as a true freshman, scoring a touchdown in the season-opening win over North Carolina.

Now a sophomore, Herrien still finds himself behind Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, not an enviable position to be in.

But after rushing for 363 yards and three touchdowns last year, one would think offensive coordinator Jim Chaney will find ways to keep Herrien involved in what the Bulldogs hope to do offensively.

BIO

SIZE: 6-0, 210 pounds
CLASS/ELIGIBILITY: Sophomore
HOMETOWN: Douglasville, Georgia
HIGH SCHOOL: New Manchester High

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PREP RANKINGS

RIVALS: Three-star by Rivals

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2016 RECAP

Herrien doesn’t have a nickname, but “Comeback Kid” would be apropos.

The former New Manchester star always wanted to be a Georgia Bulldog, but needed to get his academics in order before earning the offer he so coveted.

He did just that, raising his ACT by two crucial points and raising his grades enough to earn acceptance into UGA.

Once on the field, Herrien proved why he was worth the wait, rushing for 363 yards on the year, including a 19-yard touchdown run on his first career carry in Georgia’s opener against North Carolina (see below).

His other two touchdowns came in the Bulldogs’ loss at Ole Miss. He would later gain 74 yards on 15 carries against Tennessee.

2017 EXPECTATIONS

Of course, a lot of what we see from Herrien will depend on the number of reps and how Chaney intends to use Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, but the sophomore is too talented to simply sit on the sidelines.

Obvious, he won’t.

Herrien proved last year that he’s able to produce in the right circumstances. And based on the work he’s putting in this summer, it’s obvious the expectations for himself are extremely high.

There are still areas of his game he’s working to improve. Pass protection is always a big issue for Bulldog running backs and there’s little doubt Chaney would like him to develop more as a pass catcher.

There were times last year where Herrien seemed to be the answer as Chubb was not quite back to his old self and Michel occasionally needed to be rested. Herrien ran determined, trying to make the most of his opportunities. As a fresh set of legs in the second half, he could be devastating again.

This year there will also be competition from Elijah Holyfield and incoming freshman D’Andre Swift. But based on what we saw last year, Herrien figures to receive plenty of chances to make another impact this fall.

A GOOD SEASON FOR HERRIEN WILL BE…

… If he continues to build on the success he built last year and becomes even more well-rounded than he is right now.

As far as statistics go, that’s a bit difficult to project, but it certainly would not be a shock to see Herrien chip in 500 yards or so. Although again, Holyfield and Swift could get reps of their own and cut into that total.

Either way, Georgia’s backfield should be in capable hands with Herrien playing an important role. After Chubb and Michel have worn down a defense, Herrien should come in and put games out of reach.