Georgia can Look to This NFL Squad for how to Utilize Dillon Bell in 2024

Originally posted on Georgia Bulldogs on SI
By Christian Goeckel | Last updated 1/24/24

To say Georgia is loaded on offense in 2024 would be an understatement. The Bulldogs return a stable of blue-chip running backs, multiple wideouts that have game-breaking abilities, and at least two tight ends that could start anywhere in the country. And that's before you get to the transfer additions.

But there's one player that has a chance to do something truly special and unique this coming season. Of all of the stars on Georgia's team this past season, it was three-star Dillon Bell who stood out in some of the team's biggest games down the stretch.

At Tennessee, Bell threw an 18-yard touchdown and hauled in 5 catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. Against Florida State in the Orange Bowl, he was Carson Beck's leading receiver, totaling 86 receiving yards. All told he had 157 yards on the ground and 355 yards receiving this past season while competing with guys like Brock Bowers, Kendall Milton, and Ladd McConkey for touches.

His dynamic ability to be a threat as a running back and an elite receiver on the edge isn't a very common trait, but he does compare to one NFL star. The San Fransico 49ers, who will play in the NFC Championship on Sunday utilize star wideout Deebo Samuel in a plethora of ways. In his five-year career, Samuel has touched the ball 443 times; 283 receptions and 160 carries. During this season, that split is 60:37 for 1,117 yards and 12 total touchdowns. Not too dissimilar to Bell's 29:18 reception-to-carries split.

It's pretty simple: Deebo Samuel is a playmaker, so try to get him the ball as much as possible. The same can be said for Dillon Bell at Georgia. He may not be the best pure receiver on the team or the best running back, but he makes plays when the ball is in his hands. As the 49ers do with Samuel, Georgia needs to find ways to get Bell the ball multiple times a game. He's a football player and a dang good one at that. Georgia will need that type of player in 2024.