UGA Running Back Sony Michel at SEC Media Days

Spanning almost 75 years, the Southeastern Conference has attracted some of America’s finest athletes.

A traditional powerhouse that has used a stable or running back to forge their football identity has been the Georgia Bulldogs.

Running backs like Charley Trippi, Herschel Walker, Rodney Hampton, Garrison Hearst, Knowshon Moreno have forged the fabric of Bulldogs football.

The 2017 edition of the Georgia Bulldogs are expected to heavily rely on two senior running backs. Nick Chubb rushed for 1,130 yards and 8 touchdowns while Sony Michel totaled 840 rushing yards and 4 scores.

During SEC Media Days, Michel looked ahead to his final campaign in a Georgia uniform.

The senior running back considered entering his name into the 2017 NFL Draft but explained the process that led to his return to Athens.

“The process I went through was just talking it over with my parents, praying about it and just reflecting on the season that we had and some of the games that we lost that we fell short to.” Michel said. “I got a great opportunity where I can get my degree at the University of Georgia and hopefully pursue my football career.”

While not a featured part of the offense, the senior running back touched on a loftier goal for the season.

“In my mindset, it’s not so important being the featured guy at this point. Our mindset is trying to win football games. We want to compete at the highest level. We want to get to the championship game. We want to be able to go to the SEC (Championship) Game. We want to go to Atlanta and by not wanting to be the featured guy, I think that could possibly get it done.” Michel said.

Michel also mentioned the lessens that the team learned from the last second loss to Tennessee last season and who he thought were the top players in the SEC not on a Georgia roster.

Georgia opens Kirby Smart’s second season as head coach September 2 in Athens against Appalachian State.