Georgia Bulldogs 23 for '23: No. 15 Kendall Milton
We’re less than a month away from the start of fall camp for Georgia, and what better time to take a look at the most important players for the Bulldogs in 2023?
Important can have different definitions. Some players’ importance for this season is based on their past performance and ability to repeat that this fall. For others, it’s about their potential and what living up to it would mean for Georgia and its chances at winning a third straight National Championship.
We’re over a week into our countdown of Georgia’s most important players for the 2023 season, continuing today with No. 15 on our list, running back Kendall Milton.
Kendall Milton
Position: Running Back
Class: Senior
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 220 pounds
Hometown (High School): Fresno, Calif. (Buchanan)
Georgia running back Kendall Milton is the second player for his position to make the cut joining Daijun Edwards.
Despite having fewer yards and carries last season, Milton found the end zone more than Edwards. He turned 85 carries in 13 games into 592 yards and eight scores, also adding five catches for 64 yards and another touchdown receiving. Put simply, Milton has more natural talent than Edwards. That’s not a knock against the Colquitt County native who is a work horse for Georgia, helping put games away. However, Milton – if healthy – has the chance to be the more dynamic.
Georgia loses Kenny McIntosh to the league. He contributed not only as a rusher but also as a receiver. That’s the kind of versatility that Milton can bring to the table. I’m expecting Milton to be the top option at running back because of that while we might still see Edwards carry the rock more. Milton has missed multiple games each year he’s been on campus and was shut down early during spring practice, so he’s got to stay healthy. However, if he does that, I believe Milton is Georgia’s most important running back in 2023.
Milton showed what he can do down the stretch last year, averaging over 8 yards a carry in the final six games. Now it’s all about being consistent in doing so, something that – once again – starts with being available.
Know the Quote
“Kendall’s done a great job,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said early last season about Milton. “He did what he did in the spring, running the ball with toughness, he’s very smart in terms up pickups and he’s improved as a receiver in the backfield. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do at this point. Hard to tackle and physical.”
“Kendall’s a hard worker,” Smart added on a separate occasion. “He does a great job each and every day. He’s had some injuries the past couple of years that have held him back. … Certainly is a big, physical back. He’s worked so hard to get where he can catch the ball out of the backfield better. … He’s showed a lot of maturity to improve in that area.”
Click here to find the complete rundown of our 23 for ’23 series
