A year ago, Sony Michel and Isaiah McKenzie were high-school teammates in south Florida. On Saturday, they teamed to dazzle the fans in Sanford Stadium.
“We had fun in high school, and now we’re getting an opportunity to have fun in college,” Michel said after Georgia’s 66-0 win over Troy. “We’re just trying to build more moments.”
The two freshmen from American Heritage School in Plantation, Fla., had more than their share of moments Saturday.
Michel rushed for 155 yards on 10 carries, including 138 yards and three touchdowns on seven carries in the first half. McKenzie returned a bouncing punt 52 yards for a second-quarter touchdown and set up a third-quarter score with a 49-yard run on a handoff from Michel out of the Wildcat formation.
Michel, a five-star recruit who was ranked the nation’s No. 2 high school running back by Scout.com, committed early to Georgia. McKenzie, ranked a three- or four-star prospect by various recruiting services as a wide receiver/return specialist, wasn’t offered by the Bulldogs until several days before signing day.
“I had told Sony, ‘If they give me the offer, I’m coming,’” McKenzie said.
At his signing ceremony, McKenzie displayed Ole Miss and Virginia Tech hats as his ostensible options — until Michel stood and handed him a Georgia hat. McKenzie didn’t even visit UGA until after he had signed.
“I came to the program as a punt returner and kick returner, but … it seems like I can play receiver, too,” the 5-foot-8, 164-pound McKenzie said after Saturday’s game. “Wherever they put me, I just want to contribute to the team.”
The combination of Georgia’s offensive line and Troy’s overmatched defense meant ample running room Saturday for the Bulldogs.
Michel scored touchdowns on runs of 6, 8 and 18 yards, with the 8-yarder coming one play after he broke loose for 75. Michel and McKenzie combined for 209 yards rushing, all but five of McKenzie’s on the 49-yard run over left end on the first play of the second half.
“That’s a run I expect from Isaiah,” Michel said. “Actually, I expected him to score on that one.”
At American Heritage last season, Michel had 1,833 rushing yards and McKenzie 892 receiving yards. Their team claimed Florida’s Class 5A championship, winning the state-title game 66-8, and finished with a 14-1 record, losing only in the season opener against Miami Central, which went on to win the 6A state championship.
As he celebrated Georgia’s victory over Troy, McKenzie mentioned his high school “had a great win last night against Chaminade.”
About the Author
