Sony Michel and fellow running back Nick Chubb will look to carry the Georgia Bulldogs to a national title, Georgia’s first since 1980, Monday night. The game is scheduled for a 8:17 PM ET kick.
The Bulldogs enter the game with a 13-1 record, and Michel and Chubb both had huge seasons for the team.
Below is everything you need to know about Michel:
1. Sony Michel has talents beyond the football field
While Sony Michel has dazzled fans with his football abilities, he’s also shown his talents behind the microphone. Michel has recorded a number of songs, including one with Rich Homie Quan. Michel’s songs often are heard at Georgia football games.
2. Sony Michel is every bit as good as Nick Chubb
While Michel might not get the same level of attention or hype as his counterpart, Michel has shown he’s just as dangerous. When Chubb sustained an injury in 2015, Michel took over and rushed for 1,161 yards and 8 touchdowns. Last season, while splitting time with Chubb, Michel still racked up 840 rushing yards.
Michel actually managed to top Chubb in the Rose Bowl, as he ran for 181 yards and scored 4 touchdowns, including the game winner.
3. Sony Michel is a pass-catching weapon
While Chubb is more of a bruiser, Michel has been a consistent force in the passing game. In the 2015 and 2016 seasons combined, Michel hauled in 48 receptions for 419 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. Michel made Oklahoma pay in the passing game, as the first of his 4 touchdowns came when he sneaked out of the backfield and hauled in a touchdown catch.
4. Nick Chubb and Sony Michel have had huge seasons
Chubb and Michel have each had special seasons, even after struggling against Auburn in the first matchup during the regular season in November. On the season, Chubb and Michel have combined for 2,449 yards and 31 rushing touchdowns. The two combined for 326 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns in the Rose Bowl win over Oklahoma. However, Alabama will be the toughest test yet, as the Crimson Tide have the No. 1 rush defense in the NCAA
5. Sony Michel chose to return to Georgia for his senior year over leaving for the NFL
Last season, Michel, along with Chubb, had the choice of heading to the NFL. Given the short shelf life of NFL running backs, some thought he would leave. But Michel made the choice to come back to Georgia for his senior season, thrilling Georgia fans everywhere.
Sony Michel 2017 stats
Michel enters the National Championship game with 142 carries, 1,129 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.