Few programs have produced as many legendary running backs as the University of Georgia, making the Bulldogs’ Mount Rushmore at the position a particularly difficult one to carve.
One who can’t be questioned: Herschel Walker.
The spearhead of the 1980 national championship team, three-time All-American and 1982 Heisman Trophy winner ran for 5,259 yards (in only 33 games) during his three seasons in Athens and remains the Southeastern Conference’s leading rusher to this day.
So, who belongs with Walker on UGA’s Mount Rushmore of running backs?
That’s a tough question, one that could be debated endlessly, especially when trying to pick four from a list that also includes Charley Trippi, Garrison Hearst, Rodney Hampton, Tim Worley, Terrell Davis, Todd Gurley, Robert Edwards, Knowshon Moreno, Nick Chubb, Sony Michel and D’Andre Swift.
All of them left their own mark on the program, whether it was through dominant production, signature performances or individual honors.
Narrowing the list to four means leaving out some of the best running backs to ever wear the red and black.
But that’s what makes a Mount Rushmore. There can only be four spots.
Different eras. Different styles. One remarkable tradition.
Here are our picks for the Mount Rushmore of UGA running backs:
Herschel Walker
The standard by which every Georgia running back is measured, Walker burst onto the scene as a freshman in 1980 and led the Bulldogs to their first national championship since 1942. He won the Heisman Trophy as a junior in 1982 after rushing for 1,752 yards and 17 touchdowns. He then signed a three-year, $5 million contract with the USFL’s New Jersey Generals.
Nick Chubb
A punishing runner, Chubb overcame a devastating knee injury as a sophomore to finish his Georgia career with 4,769 rushing yards. He’s second to Walker on UGA’s all-time rushing list (and No. 2 in SEC history), an incredible accomplishment considering the severity of his knee injury. He was selected in the second round (35th overall) by the Cleveland Browns in 2018.
Todd Gurley
One of the most explosive players in UGA history, Gurley made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2012, rushing for 1,385 yards and 17 touchdowns. He finished his three-year career with 3,285 rushing yards (averaging 6.4 yards per carry) and 36 TDs. He was selected No. 10 overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2015 and was the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2017.
Garrison Hearst
The Doak Walker Award winner in 1992, Hearst put together one of the most spectacular individual seasons in Georgia history as a junior. He rushed for 1,547 yards and 19 touchdowns, and finished third in the Heisman Trophy race. He finished his three-year Georgia career with 3,232 rushing yards and was selected No. 3 overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 1993.
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Mike Garbett is a content specialist working with McClatchy’s Content Innovation Lab.