Former Buchanan High star Kendall Milton helps Georgia to another national title

Former Buchanan High star Kendall Milton got a taste of the national championship game atmosphere last season.

It was different Monday as Georgia won its second straight national championship, beating TCU 65-7 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

Milton had a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Bulldogs a 31-7 lead over the Horned Frogs in the second quarter.

In the first half, Milton had eight carries for 25 yards. He finished the game with 33 rushing yards on 10 carries.

He was on the field in last season’s title game against Alabama but didn’t get any touches in the Bulldogs’ 33-18 victory over the Crimson Tide.

Milton committed to Georgia in July 2019 over Alabama, Louisiana State and Ohio State.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart noted Milton’s strong family background and said a relationship with running backs coach Dell McGee helped the Bulldogs land Milton.

“I’m super pleased to get him,” Smart said then. “He was one of our leaders in the class, and I’m excited about what he’s going to bring to the table.”

The junior was Georgia’s third-leading rusher this season. He figures to have a more prominent role next season after Georgia starting running back Kenny McIntosh announced he would be accepting an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, thus indicating he will all but be entering the 2023 NFL Draft.

McIntosh will be the only back that will be departing the roster via the NFL Draft this offseason. Milton announced prior to Georgia’s national semifinal win over Ohio State that he’d be returning to Athens next season.

Sports Illustrated contributed to this report.