WATCH Georgia RB Zamir White: ‘All I know is hard work and grinding’
ATHENS — Georgia tailback Zamir White just keeps moving the pile on and off the field.
White returned to action this season after suffering torn ACL ligaments in his right knee (high school, Nov. 2017) and left knee (UGA fall camp, Aug. 2018).
Bulldogs fans, appreciative of the inspiring comeback from injury, have greeted White with cheers of “ZOOOOOOOOOOOS!” each time he takes the field.
Which Georgia running back are you most eager to see carry the ball at Vanderbilt?
— Mike Griffith (@MikeGriffith32) August 30, 2019
“Georgia fans are great fans, they are huge,” White said after the SEC Championship Game on Saturday night, having turned in a 5-carry performance. “They supported me through it all.”
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The powerful 6-foot, 215-pound White charged toward the line of scrimmage with the football 60 times for 316 yards this season, scoring touchdowns against Murray State and Arkansas State.
White’s bulldozing style had its place, though he was quick to admit he’s still getting his feel back for running the football.
UGA coach Kirby Smart was impressed with White’s ability to accelerate through tackles and his improved pass blocking as the season progressed.
Still, there was only one game where White exceeded 8 carries. It came in October, when the former Scotland County (N.C.) prep star had a 12-carry, 44-yard performance against South Carolina with Brian Herrien sidelined by back spasms.
“I’ve just got to be more patient with my runs,” said White, whose style was distinctively North-South with 100 mph velocity hitting the hole. “The game is moving so fast, you’ve got to think quick.”
White figures to get a lot more work next season with Herrien being a senior and 1,000-yard rusher D’Andre Swift expected to declare for the NFL draft.
White said he’s up to it, feeling good physically and working hard to keep it that way.
“ I get treatment morning, noon, night, always, so my knees are feeling great,” White said. “I just worked and did what I did to get back, because all I know is hard work and just grinding.”
White should get plenty of repetitions and carries during bowl practice and against Baylor in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 in New Orleans.
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