Georgia running back Kenny McIntosh exploded for 1,334 total yards in 2022. McIntosh took full advantage of his opportunity after biding his time behind NFL pros like D’Andre Swift, James Cook, and Zamir White. McIntosh is next in line from Georgia’s impressive ball-carrying factory.

McIntosh recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about learning from older veterans, his dual-threat abilities as a pass-catcher, which teams have shown interest in his services pre-draft, and more. McIntosh should quickly claim a role in an NFL backfield.

JM: You had to bid your time at Georgia while playing behind the likes of Zamir White, James Cook, and D’Andre Swift. What did you learn from the older vets?

Kenny McIntosh: They taught me how to stay patient and wait my turn. That’s what I learned throughout that process. I kept sharpening my craft while I was waiting for an opportunity to step into a bigger role.

I worked on the little things that I needed to improve on as a running back. I wanted to earn my spot when an opportunity was thrown my way. I learned from the older guys. I constantly got great advice from them.

I found ways to get on the field even as a young guy. I was playing a role on special teams. You have to earn your way onto a roster like Georgia. I learned how to stay patient and keep working. As I got older, that role changed.

JM: You waited your turn and took advantage of your opportunity in 2022, having totaled 1,334 yards while helping Geotiga win a second consecutive National Championship. What clicked for you this past season?

Kenny McIntosh: I think everybody saw how versatile I was this past season. I can catch the ball coming out of the backfield. That versatility put me in big-time positions to make plays for Georgia. I can run the ball between the tackles as well. I’m an elusive back.

I’d describe myself as a playmaker. I’m somebody that can get the offense going when we’re struggling. I can make that big play we’re searching for. I became a lead running back at the best program in the nation. That’s what playing at Georgia meant to me.

I grew into that role. I had to help the team win just like D’Andre Swift, James Cook, and Zamir White. I didn’t want the program to feel like there was a dropoff in talent or production. I had to step up and fill those shoes. I’m proud of what I helped Georgia accomplish in 2022.

JM: You did that and more. When I turn the tape on, I see a running back that follows his blockers to daylight. How did you become such a patient runner?

Kenny McIntosh: I’ve always been a patient runner. My dad played running back as well. I’ve been learning how to run with patience from him since I was a small child. He’s always been that bug in my ear.

He honed in on everything I did. He let me know what I was doing right and wrong. He paid close attention to every play. He remembers every single play. He’s always telling me to be patient and to follow my eyes. That goes all the way back to high school.

He helped me become a successful running back. It carried with me. That patience comes easy when you’re running behind big, athletic offensive linemen like I did at Georgia. That was a dream come true for me. I’ve always wanted to run behind a dominant offensive line like the one we had at Georgia.

Like you said, I followed them to daylight. Those guys can reach the second level and hand out punishment. They reached the third level as well (laughs). I have to give thanks to those guys. Running behind those guys was a dream come true.

JM: They were so dominant up front. You’re an asset in the passing game. You touched on that a little. You depart Georgia with more than 800 receiving yards under your belt. Talk to me about your contributions in the passing game. It’s so important in today’s pass-happy league.

Kenny McIntosh: I’ve always had confidence in my hands. Like I said earlier, my dad was always that bug in my ear. If I dropped the ball, he’d let me know (laughs). If I dropped the ball, I was doing 10 or 20 pushups. It didn’t matter how tired I was.

I hated doing pushups. I might as well catch this ball (laughs). That was always in the back of my head. He was still making me do those push-ups during my junior year. We always have that kind of competition in our household.

It stuck with us even as we got older. It’s the same thing with my older brothers. We always competed in everything we did. Catching the ball was one of those things. They still think they can beat me to this day (laughs). If you check the records, I didn’t drop a single ball at Georgia. Catching the ball is an asset of my game.

JM: You’ve been outstanding in the passing game. Have you completed any Top 30 visits, private workouts, or Zoom meetings?

Kenny McIntosh: I had a Top 30 visit with the Miami Dolphins. I’ve had so many Zoom interviews. I met with the Dolphins again on Zoom. I met with the Buccaneers, Packers, Jaguars, Cowboys, Chiefs, Saints, and Seahawks as well. I’m still communicating with teams to this day.

JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We’ve appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Kenny McIntosh going to make at the next level?

Kenny McIntosh: I’m going to be a versatile running back. There are a lot of scouts that admire my game. I’ve been getting comparisons like Alvin Kamara and Le’Veon Bell. I’m a patient runner that runs with my eyes first and foremost. I can make those cuts and get vertical.

I can make guys miss in the open field. Like you said, I can catch the ball coming out of the backfield as well. I have all of those traits. I’m going to continue building on what I showcased at Georgia. I want to lead my team to a Super Bowl.