Georgia Bulldogs Running Back Cash Jones On How 2025 Roster is Different From Previous

As the Georgia Bulldogs prepare for another run at SEC dominance and a potential return to the College Football Playoff, fifth-year running back Cash Jones is more than just a returning veteran—he’s a living reflection of the transition the program is undergoing. From the practice field to the locker room, Jones has witnessed the transformation of Georgia football from the inside out.

Now entering his final season in Athens, Jones is uniquely positioned to evaluate the evolution of Georgia’s roster—one that has seen a combination of NFL departures, high-profile transfers, and the emergence of young talent. In a recent media session, Jones offered valuable insight into how the 2025 Georgia Bulldogs differ from the teams of years past.

From Walk-On to Key Contributor

Jones’s own story mirrors the grit and adaptability that Georgia football demands. Arriving as a walk-on in 2021, he earned his place in the rotation through sheer work ethic, intelligence, and versatility. While he’s never been the feature back, his contributions have been meaningful—especially as a pass-catching threat out of the backfield and on special teams.

“Coming in as a walk-on, I had to earn every snap, every opportunity,” Jones said. “That mindset has stayed with me, and I try to pass it on to the younger guys coming in.”

Now as a redshirt senior, Jones isn’t just competing for carries—he’s shaping the future of Georgia’s running back room and stepping into a leadership role that carries weight across the entire team.

A Youth Movement in the Backfield

One of the most obvious differences in the 2025 roster is the youth and inexperience in the running back room. Last season’s primary contributors—Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards—have moved on, leaving a wide-open competition.

“There’s a lot of new faces in the room,” Jones said. “But there’s also a ton of raw talent. Guys like Nate Frazier, Dwight Phillips Jr., and Chauncey Bowens—they’ve all got that ‘it’ factor. They’re hungry, and they’re going to push this room to be better.”

Also returning is Branson Robinson, who missed the entire 2024 season due to injury. Robinson, known for his powerful running style, is expected to be a significant part of the rotation if he can stay healthy.

“Branson’s a beast,” Jones added. “Having him back just adds another dimension to what we can do. But overall, the group is just a lot younger than in past years.”

Veteran Departures Create a Void—and Opportunity

Georgia’s 2025 roster is missing some familiar faces—notably quarterback Carson Beck, tight end Brock Bowers, and offensive tackle Amarius Mims—all of whom declared for the NFL Draft. In total, 12 players left for the NFL and 11 more transferred to other programs.

“It’s weird walking into the locker room and not seeing some of those guys,” Jones admitted. “Brock, Carson, Mims—those were leaders. But that just means it’s our turn to step up.”

This wave of departures has given way to fresh competition at nearly every position. For a program like Georgia, with elite-level recruiting every year, this transition is expected. Still, the absence of longtime starters means the 2025 team will need to establish chemistry quickly.

“There’s a different vibe this spring,” Jones noted. “It’s more teaching, more communication. Everyone’s still figuring each other out, but I think that’s what’s going to make us dangerous. There’s hunger all over this roster.”

New Faces, New Impact

To compensate for the losses, head coach Kirby Smart was aggressive in the transfer portal. Among the most notable additions are wide receiver Zachariah Branch from USC and Noah Thomas from Texas A&M—both of whom bring speed and big-play ability to an already loaded offense.

“Those dudes can fly,” Jones said with a laugh. “Zach is electric. You get the ball in his hands and he’s gone. Noah’s more of a jump-ball guy, but he’s got great hands. Adding those two has completely changed the way we line up.”

On the defensive side, Georgia also brought in reinforcements, particularly in the secondary and along the defensive line. While Smart is still focused on developing from within, he’s not hesitant to find plug-and-play talent to fill specific needs.

“The transfer portal is just part of the game now,” Jones said. “If you’re not evolving, you’re falling behind.”

Offensive Identity in Transition

One of the biggest storylines for Georgia this offseason has been replacing Beck at quarterback. The competition includes former five-star prospect Gunner Stockton, redshirt freshman Ryan Puglisi, and true freshman Dylan Raiola, the No. 1 quarterback recruit in the 2024 class.

“Each of those guys brings something different,” Jones said. “But what’s cool is how quickly they’ve stepped into leadership roles. They’re all smart, they’ve all got strong arms, and they’re all willing to learn.”

The uncertainty at quarterback has led to some tweaks in offensive philosophy. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, entering his second season in his return to the role, has hinted at a more run-balanced attack while the passing game develops.

“That’s exciting for us as running backs,” Jones said. “We’re going to have more chances to carry the load and control the tempo early in games. I think you’ll see a lot more two-back sets, some motion, some misdirection—we’re getting creative.”

A Shift in Team Culture

Beyond the X’s and O’s, Jones noted that this year’s team feels different on a cultural level. The blend of young talent, transfers, and veterans has created a new energy around the program.

“There’s more of a chip on our shoulder this year,” Jones said. “Last year we had the streak, the championships—it was about maintaining. This year it’s about proving. A lot of people think Georgia is going to take a step back, and we hear that. We talk about it.”

Jones emphasized that competition is more intense than ever—every position group is stacked with blue-chip talent, and no one is guaranteed a starting spot.

“You’ve got true freshmen going toe-to-toe with redshirt juniors in practice. It’s not about age or status—it’s about who wants it more. That creates a toughness you can’t fake.”

Emphasis on Special Teams and Versatility

Jones has made his mark on special teams since his early days in Athens, and he believes this phase of the game will be more important than ever in 2025.

“With so much youth, special teams is a great way to get on the field and make an impact,” he said. “We’ve got guys flying around on punt and kickoff teams. It sets the tone.”

Jones also stressed the need for players to be more versatile. As rosters fluctuate with transfers and injuries, having multiple skill sets can be the difference between starting and sitting.

“I’ve played slot receiver, third-down back, gunner on punt coverage—you name it. The more you can do, the more valuable you are. That’s a message we hammer every day.”

Legacy and Final Season Goals

For Jones, 2025 represents more than just another football season—it’s a culmination of everything he’s worked for since arriving at Georgia as an overlooked walk-on.

“I want to leave this place better than I found it,” he said. “That’s the goal. Whether that’s mentoring the young backs, making a key block, or scoring a touchdown—I’m going to give everything I’ve got.”

As Georgia prepares for a challenging SEC schedule and another shot at a national title, Jones is confident this roster, while different, is built to compete at the highest level.

“We’ve got talent, we’ve got heart, and we’ve got something to prove,” he said. “That’s a dangerous combination.”