Backfield in motion

ATHENS, Ga. -- When debating whether a one-man show or a committee approach is better at the tailback position, don't expect Georgia to provide any answers.

The Bulldogs won the 2002 Southeastern Conference title with the help of Musa Smith's 1,324 yards. They won another in 2005 when Thomas Brown, Danny Ware and Kregg Lumpkin combined for 1,563 yards.

Their highest final ranking under coach Mark Richt -- No. 2 in 2007 -- was spearheaded by the 1-2 punch of Knowshon Moreno and Brown, who tallied 1,334 and 779 yards, respectively.

"The bottom line is getting guys that we feel comfortable in there running the offense that gives us the best chance to win," Bulldogs offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said. "Can I answer the question who it's going to be right now or what would I prefer? Yeah, I'd like to have Knowshon or Herschel Walker."

Georgia's tailback dilemma following Moreno's early departure to the NFL is twofold. Coaches don't know who will start Sept. 5 at Oklahoma State nor how the carries will be distributed.

Sophomore Caleb King (5-foot-11, 210), sophomore Richard Samuel (6-2, 216) and redshirt freshman Carlton Thomas (5-7, 178) are the chief candidates. Chasing them are redshirt freshman Dontavius Jackson (5-10, 200), junior walk-on Kalvin Daniels (5-10, 193) and touted freshman Washaun Ealey (5-11, 205).

Samuel and Ealey are the "downhill" runners in the bunch, with Thomas hoping to prove he's more than a change-of-pace option.

"We're about to find out who is the best back, or if there is such a thing," Richt said. "I doubt one man will get every carry and that early on, more than likely, it will be by committee. Sometimes it takes a game to really separate a guy from the others.

"If three guys getting 10 reps is better than one guy getting 25 and another guy getting five, then that's going to be how we do it."

King is the top returning rusher after amassing 247 yards on 61 carries (4.0 yards per carry) but had one carry in the last four games. He played between 218 and 220 pounds and feels he will be quicker this year around 210.

The uncertainty at his position, he believes, is a challenge and not a concern.

"Every running back wants to play, but I believe Coach Richt will put each running back in the right position," King said. "Whatever we have to do to win the game is what we're going to have to do. I've been playing football since I was 5, so I just go out there every day to have fun."

Samuel had 133 yards on 26 carries (5.1) a year ago but didn't get a carry in the last two games. He missed spring practice after undergoing wrist surgery in January.

Richt admits he likes playing multiple tailbacks because it keeps them fresher and healthier and usually enhances morale. Bobo doesn't mind either, pointing out how LSU has experienced significant success when spreading the wealth.

"Both times they won the national championship, they played several running backs," Bobo said. "Two years ago, they played like four running backs and won the national championship, so the bottom line is doing what gives you the best chance to win. Right now, we're going to rep four guys because we're installing and we want guys to get an equal share of the reps.

"I think after the first scrimmage that we'll try to whittle it down some. Four is a lot. Three is probably manageable."

Odds and ends

Richt described Wednesday's practice as "outstanding" and said the defense is causing turnovers, adding strongside linebacker Darryl Gamble had two interceptions and two fumble recoveries Tuesday. ... Picture Day for Georgia fans will be Aug. 22 between 1-3 p.m. at Sanford Stadium.