Mark Richt, Georgia to Host No. 4 Running Back Alvin Kamara

Alabama and Georgia are no strangers when it comes to competition after the Crimson Tide beat the Bulldogs in the SEC Championship Game, and now the two are competing for one of the nation’s top uncommitted running backs.

Alvin Kamara (Norcross, Ga. /Norcross) had his first official visit to Alabama this weekend before heading to Georgia this weekend. Alabama may have the early lead for the talented Kamara, who is the No. 4 ranked running back according to ESPN. Kamara said the visit went well and he has a lot of questions answered, and really liked the family bond that he experienced in Tuscaloosa, Al.

The reason why I don’t think Kamara ultimately commits to the Tide is that they already have commitments from the top three running backs in his class, as well as rising sophomore T.J. Yeldon to compete with on the depth chart. That is an embarrassment of riches for Nick Saban at the running back position for a school that has a recent history of getting its backs to the next level.

I think Kamara and Georgia head coach Mark Richt will examine the depth chart when he takes his trip to Athens and see that rising sophomores Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall are likely to declare for the NFL draft after their junior seasons. He will have a quicker route to establishing himself as a feature back at Georgia rather than at Alabama. He can be the guy at Georgia rather than a guy at Alabama.

You can make the argument that of the three running backs ahead of Kamara to commit to Alabama that one could switch positions while another redshirts, leaving Kamara battling with one for the back-up spot. But I think the biggest factor in the recruitment of Kamara is that attending Georgia is close to home in Norcross, and his family will be able to attend games much easier than if he were to attend Alabama.

Georgia has been on the wrong side of the rivalry in the past two SEC championship games, but could get a win over Alabama with a commitment from Kamara on signing day Feb. 6, and I think that’s exactly what’ll happen.

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Patrick is the host of “The Wake-up Call,” on Sportstownchicago.com airing Wednesday mornings from 8-10. View his show’s website here.