Fall Camp look ahead: Quarterbacks/Running Backs

As we continue our fall camp previews, we turn our attention to the Bulldog backfield, specifically quarterback and running back.

Although there may not be quite as much suspense as there will be with the offensive line, plenty of eyes will obviously be on sophomore Jacob Eason, who has the confidence of Kirby Smart, but still has plenty to improve on from his freshman year.

We'll talk more about the running backs a bit later. But for now, let's start with the quarterbacks...

First impressions: Yes, Eason still has areas he needs to get better at for the fall (e.g., footwork and reads) and Smart has been very open about that, but unless the Washington state native takes a step back, he'll remain Georgia's starter.

As for Jake Fromm, the big question about the freshman is will he play or redshirt?

That's been a big point of discussion for fans, and with Brice Ramsey's decision to return for his senior year, the opportunity to have Fromm - who I love - watch and learn. But man, it's going to be tempting not to get him into games.

What will happen: I do expect Eason to improve. You ask coaches and most will tell you that players make their biggest jump between their freshman and sophomore years. I think Eason will too.

So, what about Fromm? I may be totally off base about this, but I think he will play. To what extent, I'm not sure how much, but one way or the other, I think he gets on the field.

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Running Backs

Watch out for Nick Chubb: I mentioned on Twitter that Nick Chubb is one of the most amazing young men I've had the pleasure of covering in the 30 years I've now been doing this for a living.

Hardworking, humble ... there's certainly a lot of adjectives one can use to describe the senior.

Driven would be another. Chubb didn't decide to return for giggles and grins and the expectation here is he's in for one amazing year. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Chubb rush for 1,500 yards and score 15-plus touchdowns.

Other predictions: Sony Michel will account for 1,200 total yards; Brian Herrien will again finish as the third-leading rusher; D'Andre Swift will not redshirt, Elijah Holyfield will play, but there are only so many carries to be had.

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Fullbacks

Don't mess with Payne: Christian Payne may facially still look like he's 17-years-old, but there may not be a tougher player on the entire Bulldog team.

You have to be a mean, tough SOB to play fullback and Payne certainly fits that to a tee.

Turner Fortin and Nick Moore are also very capable, but Payne figures to get the lion's share of time here.