Zamir White ended the 2021 game against Florida like he began the 2020 game against the Gators: with a long touchdown run.

The latter touchdown wouldn’t be enough for Georgia and outside of the 75-yard run, White had just six carries for 32 yards that day.

His 42-yard touchdown this past Saturday capped off a more balanced day for White, as he finished with 105 yards on 14 carries. His touchdown proved to be the icing on the cake for a 34-7 victory.

“We knew we had the right leverage going up to the line. We saw where they were shifted over,” offensive lineman Warren Ericson said of the run. “As soon as I got enough space, I saw him go down the field, and there were no blue jerseys left.

“I was so pumped. I sprinted down as fast as I could. That was such a cool moment to finish off the game.”

White continues to lead Georgia in rushing and rushing touchdowns this season. Perhaps more important for White though is how he has looked when given the ball. With Georgia boasting such a deep backfield, head coach Kirby Smart isn’t going to ride White like he’s Derrick Henry.

Consider in 2019 when Georgia had D’Andre Swift. Due to the excessive workload he had that season, Swift was unable to get through the year health-wise, as he was limited in the SEC championship game against LSU. The Bulldogs do not want that happening with White.

“Yeah, this year in carries has been more from his health than anything else. I don’t think a guy can play in the SEC and end the season that many times anymore,” Smart said. “It’s hard to do and sustain.”

Add in White’s own injury history and you can understand why White has yet to carry the ball more than 20 times in a game this season. White tore both of his ACLs before he even played a game at Georgia.

But since that second ACL tear in 2018, White has become incredibly durable. He was the only Georgia running back to play in every game in 2020 and has done the same in 2021. Even as Kenny McIntosh and Kendall Milton deal with injuries, White continues to lead the position.

It speaks to how much work Whtie has put in on his body.

“I‘ve seen him come across my office outside my window right here where he’s walking back and forth and I’m texting ‘What are you doing?’ ‘I’m coming to treatment,’ ‘I’m leaving treatment’, and ‘I’m getting an extra treatment’, ‘I’m taking care of my body so I can be effective,’ Smart said. “He’s just a great leader.”

White is not the most vocal member of Georgia’s team but he does not have to be in order to be an effective leader. Everyone knows his story and can see how much he’s dedicated to the program.

Statistically speaking, White isn’t having an all-conference type season. He has just 505 yards on 97 carries. His nose for the endzone is his best trait, as his eight touchdowns rank fifth in the conference.

But when Georgia has needed a running back to close the door on the opposing team, the Bulldogs have no issue turning to White. He did it in the Clemson game and he came through again against Florida.

At some point, Georgia will find itself in a close game and need a running back to make a play. White has shown that he can and likely will be that guy for the Bulldogs.

“What he’s done is incredible in terms of carrying the workload, the leadership, the work ethic,” Smart said. “There’s not a day he comes out to practice and doesn’t practice hard and the best thing about him is that he takes care of his body. He does a tremendous job.”

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