Georgia’s freshman running back Nate Frazier has made a lot of noise in a very short period of time.
One of the highlights of any Georgia football fall camp is learning about a freshman or two who are making waves. Nate Frazier, a running back, was one of those freshman this fall.
Frazier was viewed as a significant addition this offseason, but the Bulldogs would not truly know what they had until he came in the summer. He spent little time creating an impression, and his recent performances have fans thrilled about his potential this year and beyond.
Frazier was regarded as the best of the three freshmen running backs signed by Georgia in the 2024 class, and his performance throughout fall camp supported that assessment. Frazier had a propensity of making big plays with the ball in his hands, including a long rushing touchdown in Georgia’s final scrimmage on Saturday.
Georgia football coach Kirby Smart made it obvious before the scrimmage that Frazier’s efforts had not gone unnoticed.
“He’s certainly a guy that’s trying hard to learn to understand,” Smart remarked last Tuesday. “I don’t believe he’s ever mentioned, ‘On this run, this is your key.'” He just gets the ball and sprints, and our blocking schemes are quite complex. Who’s he reading? Who is he gazing at? What are his steps? What does he have to do for protection? He has a lot to learn. He did not go through spring, thus spring is now. His spring was throughout the summer. He has a lot of catching up to accomplish.
“He’s an explosive kid. He has good track times. He has good speed. He possesses exceptional toughness. “He is a little ball of energy.”
The question now is how much we can anticipate from Frazier this season. I’m always hesitant to hype up a rookie, but there are grounds to believe Frazier will have a significant influence.
When I evaluate a freshman’s chances of playing a significant role early on, I consider two crucial factors: talent and opportunity.
Frazier’s talent is apparent, and I believe I heard more good feedback about him than anyone else during camp. Then there’s the opportunity, which I believe is the most crucial component at play.
Georgia football faces a challenge this season after leading rushers Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton left for the NFL. Florida transfer Trevor Etienne is the unquestionable starter, but the picture behind him is hazy. Branson Robinson has impressed during camp but is currently recovering from an injury, Roderick Robinson is hindered by a toe issue, and the only other scholarship backs are freshman Chauncey Bowens and Dwight Phillips Jr. Smart lauded Cash Jones during camp, but it’s unclear how much the veteran walk-on will play.
Frazier might play an important role in the season opener versus Clemson, especially since we don’t know the extent of Roderick Robinson’s injury. Frazier might get genuine carries even if Robinson plays against the Tigers, making the rookie someone to keep an eye on come game time.
The only way for Frazier to carve out a role for the full season is to get started early and demonstrate his readiness. There appears to be an opportunity ahead, and it will be up to Frazier to seize it.
Fall camp is an opportunity for Georgia’s rookies to show the coaches that they can compete with some of the top players in college football. Frazier has passed the test to this point, and I anticipate to hear his name a lot this season.
