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Sony Michel, Freddie Gilbert earn way into Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame

On3 imageby: Jake Rowe10/07/25JakeMRowe
Georgia Ole Miss
Sep 24, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel (1) is hit by Mississippi Rebels linebacker Detric Bing-Dukes (43) during the first quarter of the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Legendary Georgia running back Sony Michel and defensive end Freddie Gilbert are the latest Bulldogs to earn their way into the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame. The duo will be inducted on Friday, October 31 at the Induction Ceremony and Luncheon, which will take place at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.

Florida will be represented by wide receiver and return specialist Brandon James and Todd Johnson, a Gator great in the defensive backfield.

Michel spent four years at Georgia, rushing for over 1,000 yards twice. He’s one of five UGA running backs to reach quadruple digits twice in his career, joining the likes of Herschel Walker, Knowshon Moreno, Nick Chubb, and D’Andre Swift. Michel shared the backfield with Chubb for all four of his seasons in Athens and played with Swift for one season in 2017.

The former five-star prospect is a native of the Sunshine State, playing his high school ball at Heritage High School in Plantation, Fla. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark during the 2015 and 2017 seasons and amassed a record of 2-2 against the Gators. He ranks No. 3 on Georgia’s all-time rushing list.

His best game against Florida came in 2017 when he racked up 137 rushing yards and two scores on just six carries. Georgia rushed for 292 yards that day and attempted just seven passes in a 42-7 win over the Gators.

Michel was selected by New England in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The Patriots selected him No. 31 overall, and he went on to win two Super Bowls with the organization.

Gilbert, a native of Griffin, Ga., racked up 233 total tackles and 26 sacks in his Georgia career. He played at UGA from 1980-1983, one of the most successful eras in school history. The Bulldogs went 4-0 against the Gators during his time in Athens. He went on to play in both the USFL and NFL, spending four seasons with the Denver Broncos.

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