Todd Gurley is one of the best running backs in the NFL, leading the league in total touchdowns and ranking second in yards from scrimmage. There doesn’t seem to be anything he can’t do on the field, thriving at everything from returning kickoffs at Georgia to catching passes and racking up big yards in the NFL.

His versatility goes way back to his high school days where he played both running back and safety. He excelled at both spots, but after totaling 2,600 yards and 38 touchdowns his senior year, it was clear Gurley was destined to be a running back at Georgia.

Defense is still in his blood, though.

Gurley was asked on Thursday about his connection with the team, specifically joking around with his teammates in the locker room. He said he doesn’t do it consciously, but it sounds like he spends plenty of time around the defense.

“The defense, they always tell me, ‘You want me be apart of the defense’, but I’ve always been a defensive guy my whole life,” he said. “I guess I want to be with those guys.”

Given his athleticism and field vision, there’s no doubt Gurley could play safety if he truly wanted to. He has ideal size and speed for the position, but he’s put that to good use at running back.

Gurley is on pace to put up one of the best seasons in NFL history, matching the production of Marshall Faulk during his days with “The Greatest Show on Turf.”

One can only wonder what Gurley could have done had he stuck to defense.