Bulldogs fans remember Todd Gurley’s thunderous running style in Athens, just as angry at the ground beneath him as the defenders in front of him. Rams fans remember that, too.

On Saturday, Gurley resembled his rookie form in a joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers. Coach Sean McVay called him “a violent runner,” according to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez.

The former Georgia running back won Offensive Rookie of the Year after being taken with the 10th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. In only 12 starts, he ran for 1,106 yards and 10 TDs before a slightly less productive 2016 season.

Although tackling wasn’t allowed, McVay praised Gurley’s speed, vision and decisiveness.

“He’s a guy that has been motivated and has been a standout throughout the offseason program, and it’s been the same throughout camp,” McVay said. “We’re expecting big things from Todd.”

The franchise is definitely hoping Gurley can give the Rams a boost on the ground, where the team ranked 31st in rushing yards per game (78.2), only better than the Minnesota Vikings last season.

When told of his coach’s “violent” description, Gurley seemed to hear a compliment that hit home.

“I’ll take that all day, for sure. We’ve just got to keep working, coming out here getting better. I feel like it was a pretty good day overall.”