Isaiah Crowell in action at Georgia's practice.

ATHENS, Ga.- Georgia freshman tailback Isaiah Crowell will make his first career start Saturday when the Bulldogs host Coastal Carolina, Bulldogs coach Mark Richt announced today.

Crowell backed up junior Richard Samuel the first two weeks but led the team in carries against both Boise State and South Carolina. The 5-foot-11, 215-pounder from Columbus had 16 carries for 118 yards against the Gamecocks, earning him SEC Co-Freshman of the Week.

"We do have him slated as the starter this week," Richt said. "Part of it is his production as a runner, but Richard is also hobbled."

Richt said Samuel has a heel injury and that junior Carlton Thomas will work as the No. 2 tailback later today in practice.

For more information, read Wednesday's Times Free Press