College football's biggest storylines for 2018

D’Andre Swift taking over for Chubb & Michel

Speaking of running backs, I have high hopes for another guy down in Georgia. D’Andre Swift is basically replacing the duo of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, who combined for over 2500 yards and 31 TDs on the ground, as well as carrying their team to a National Championship appearance. So that’s a heavy load to pick up. Yet, I believe the young man will shine in 2018. Does he bring the punishing running style of a Nick Chubb or the burst from going East-West to getting downfield like a Sony Michel? No. Yet, Swift offers his own special skill-set.

The 5’9”, 215 pound back only received 81 carries as a freshman, but he made the most of his opportunities, as he averaged 7.6 yards on those and consistently won that one-on-one matchup with the unblocked defender. Swift has elite breakaway speed and agility to make people miss in the open field.

While he is a slashing type of runner, once he decides to bury his shoulder into the chest a defender, he makes that guy feel the pain. When he has space to operate he can juke or hurdle defenders, but if someone is in his way, he becomes a very physical runner. The thing Swift brings to the table that neither of his predecessors did, is his ability to contribute in the passing game.

He is an incredibly gifted pass-catcher, who can not only make smooth adjustments on throws with poor ball placement, but he can actually be a downfield threat from that RB spot. Nick Chubb and Sony Michel combined for just 13 total catches last season, while Swift already topped that by himself as the third option. Georgia simply didn’t throw the ball to its running backs very often, but I think the coaching staff will adjust to what they have and make Swift a weapon out of the backfield on the ground as well as through the air. He is way too talented to stay in protection or just run simple swing and checkdown routes.

I see a huge season for the sophomore standout, with 2000+ yards from scrimmage potentially, as they bring back a monstrous offensive line and Swift clearly being to go-to-guy at running back.