ATHENS — The importance of the running back position at Georgia is not lost on Nate Frazier.
The junior knows the greats. He understands what Herschel Walker, Nick Chubb and Garrison Hearst all meant to the program.
So, Georgia’s leading rusher from last season appreciates the opportunity to work with and learn from new assistant running backs coach Robert Edwards.
“Having him in that room, you know, him playing the position, especially him coming to the school, it was big for us,” Frazier said. “It means a lot, because you know that the things that he’s telling you is not just for no reason, because he’s been through the things. He played the position. He was great at the position, as well.”
Previously a high school coach in Georgia, Edwards returns to his alma mater as an offensive analyst. An All-SEC running back in the 1990s, he’ll work as the assistant running backs coach.
Edwards led Georgia in rushing in 1996 and ’97, when he was teammates with current Georgia head coach Kirby Smart. He went on to become a first-round pick by the New England Patriots, only for his NFL career to be ruined by a freak flag football injury after his rookie season.
“I think he embodies what resiliency is,” Smart said. “He is a tremendous person. He persevered so much in his career. Not only his career here, but his career postcollege. And these young men, sometimes, they wanna emulate the guys that played here before them.”
Edwards can relate to his players in a way not every coach can. Frazier knew Edwards had an issue with fumbling during his college career. It has been a recurring problem for Frazier.
Edwards offered a perspective that resonated with Frazier. And because he had already walked that path, Edwards’ words carried greater meaning.
He advised Frazier not to overthink his fumbling issues. “Fumbling is a mindset thing,” Frazier said he was told. “Whatever you do in life is a mindset thing. You can cancel out all the things that you don’t want done as long as you have a great mindset.”
Georgia’s running back room was already expected to be a strength in 2026. Frazier returns, as does Chauncey Bowens. The two combined for nearly 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns a season ago. Although Georgia does have to replace Cash Jones, the Bulldogs brought in freshman Jae Lamar and Kentucky transfer Dante Dowdell.
Yet the addition of Edwards should not be overlooked.
“It’s awesome for coach Edwards to be here,” Bowens said. “You know, a lot of people, they know the legend he was when he was here. And obviously his brother, too. So, for him to be here, I mean, it’s definitely invaluable. He’s a guy that kind of played and has been through what we’re trying to do. So, I mean, it’s awesome for him to be here and give us experience.”
Edwards’ hiring isn’t just Georgia bringing back a former standout. His ties to the state as a high school coach shouldn’t be overlooked, especially when it comes to recruiting.
Edwards means a lot to the history of the Georgia football program. In returning to the school, it’s clear the university means a great deal to him.
“He wants to pour into these young men just like we do as coaches,” Smart said. “Who better to do that than somebody that has a track record of overcoming things, and he’s here for the players to assist them. I think that’s a big draw.”
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