Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia Bulldogs

Bulldogs losing tailback Elijah Holyfield to NFL, too

Georgia running back Elijah Holyfield (13) leaps into the end zone. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Georgia running back Elijah Holyfield (13) leaps into the end zone. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
By Staff reports
Jan 4, 2019

Georgia tailback Elijah Holyfield, who ranked second on the team with 1,018 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, announced he will leave school after his junior season and become eligible for the 2019 NFL draft.

Holyfield joins teammates Isaac Nauta, Ridley Ridley and Mecole Hardman in  declaring for the draft Friday.

Holyfield, one of four team captains selected for the Sugar Bowl last Tuesday, joined D’Andre Swift in rushing for more than 1,000 yards this season, marking the second straight campaign Georgia has had dual 1,000-yard rushers.

Nick Chubb and Sony Michele each had more than 1,000 yards rushing last season.

Holyfield, from College Park, led the Bulldogs with 62 yards on 12 carries in the Sugar Bowl, giving him 1,018 on the season.

The 5-foot-11, 215-pounder averaged 6.4 yards per carry — the same as Swift — and his seven touchdowns tied for third on the team behind Swift (13) and receiver Riley Ridley (9).

Holyfield, the son of former heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield, set a career high with 115 yards rushing in Georgia’s win over Kentucky last season.

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