Spring Practice Outlook: Running Backs

Back for his senior year at tailback is Lorenzo Booker after sharing carries with Leon Washington in 2005. Booker led the team in rushing last year with 552 yards on 119 attempts, an average of 4.6 yards per carry, along with a team-high four touchdowns. Booker is also an outstanding receiver out of the backfield and had 329 yards on 38 catches with a pair of TD's a year ago.

Antone Smith will step in as the No. 2 tailback after finishing third on the team with 188 yards on 36 carries (5.2 ypc) as a true freshman. Smith tied for second on last year's squad with three rushing touchdowns. Sophomore Jamaal Edwards and freshman Russell Ball will also get plenty of carries in the spring.

Running backs coach Billy Sexton will have a new starter at fullback following the graduation of James Coleman and B.J. Dean. Junior Joe Surratt will open as the spring starter after playing in all 13 games in 2005. Walk-on Sean Compton will serve as the No. 2 fullback with freshman Matt Dunham being held out of spring practice. When fall rolls around, Surratt will have to hold off Dunham, who broke a Georgia state high school record with 111 career rushing touchdowns – a mark formerly held by Herschel Walker.