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outlook for 2018
inners at Notre Dame. Southeastern Conference champions. Rose Bowl champions. Individual national and SEC awards. A berth in the College Football Playoff National Championship … and literally one play away from the title. That is the Reader’s Digest version of the 2017 Georgia Bulldogs, who accomplished all of that and more. And the spoils for such a memorable run? Within days of the title game, the coaches put the finishing touches on the nation’s top recruiting clas, and the players were back at work in the meeting rooms, the weight room and on the field, fueled by a desire to prove that 2017 was not happenstance, but rather the start of something special. “I think everybody can see Georgia is a force to be reckoned with,” Coach Kirby Smart said at season’s end. “We’re not going anywhere. … With hard work, good recruiting, good coaches and good players, you give yourself a chance at success.” These spring drills will be as important as any the Bulldogs will have. As always, there are players to replace and holes to fill. Nick Chubb and Sony Michel completed their careers as two of the most successful tailbacks in both UGA and SEC history as they ran behind a line bolstered by All-American left tackle Isaiah Wynn. Linebackers Roquan Smith, Davin Bellamy and Lorenzo Carter, defensive backs Dominick Sanders and Aaron Davis and lineman Trenton Thompson paced a unit that ranked sixth nationally in both total defense and scoring defense. But college football is a transitory sport and the coaches can only concern themselves with the ones remaining in the fold. The 2018 offense will be spearheaded by quarterback Jake Fromm, tailback D’Andre Swift, receiver Terry Godwin, tight end Isaac Nauta, among others, and an experienced offensive line. Defensively, veterans like Jonathan Ledbetter, J.R. Reed, Deandre Baker and Tyler Clark will be the nucleus, with several younger players seemingly poised to make the necessary rise. “I do know this -- the standard was set by the (2017) seniors,” Smart said. “If we have that kind of leadership, the sky’s the limit. I just hope the younger class doesn’t take it for granted that it just happens.” That said, here is a look at the Bulldogs heading into spring drills. Additional players are on the way in the fall and Georgia had nine early enrollee signees who will throw their hats into the ring this spring.
QUARTERBACKS
Jake Fromm was pressed into duty after an injury to Jacob Eason during the first game and went on to put together a memorable season. After going 181-of-291 for 2,615 yards and 24 touchdowns and successfully managing the Bulldogs’ offense, Fromm was chosen as a Freshman All-American and as the SEC’s Freshman of the Year. Justin Fields, one of the nation’s most highly-rated dual-threat quarterbacks, enrolled early and will go through spring drills. Fields garnered fivestar status from all recruiting services after rolling up 4,187 yards passing, 2,096 yards rushing and 70 touchdowns in two years as a prep starter. Stetson Bennett and Sam Vaughn have drawn praise as the Bulldogs’ scout team quarterbacks. Georgia also has John Seter back in the fold.
2017 SEC Champions
After just one season as a wide receiver, junior Mecole Hardman returns as perhaps the Bulldogs’ top offensive playmaker, both as a pass catcher and kick returner.
RUNNING BACKS
Nick Chubb and Sony MIchel finished their illustrious careers ranked Nos. 2 and 3 on Georgia’s all-time rushing list. A year ago, they combined for more than 2,500 yards and 31 touchdowns. Fortunately, the Bulldogs used a rotation at tailback last season, meaning there are experienced players ready to fill the void left by Chubb and Michel. D’Andre Swift followed the seniors with 618 yards and three touchdowns with a healthy 7.6-yards-per-carry average to earn Freshman All-SEC honors. Elijah Holyfield and Brian Herrien added 293 and 265 yards, respectively, and a combined three touchdowns. Zamir White, the nation’s No. 1-rated prep prospect at tailback, rushed for 7,169 yards in his high school career before enrolling at UGA in January. Those numbers include 2,086 yards and 34 touchdowns in a senior season cut short by a knee injury, which could possibly sideline him during spring drills. The Bulldogs also return Prather Hudson (a special teams standout), Lofton Tidwell and Ian Donald-McIntyre. The top fullback candidates are Nick Moore and Frank Sinkwich IV.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Despite the loss of leading receiver Javon Wims, the Bulldogs return a wealth of talent and experience. Terry Godwin, whose highlight-reel touchdown catch at Notre Dame helped ignite Georgia’s season, hauled in 38 balls for 639 yards and six scores a year ago. Mecole Hardman made the transition from defensive back and became a reliable receiver with 25 grabs for 418 yards and four touchdowns. Riley Ridley was quiet much of the season but had a strong final game to lift him to 14 catches for 218 yards and two TDs. The Bulldogs return additional veterans in Jayson Stanley, Jeremiah Holloman, Michael Chigbu, Tyler Simmons, Ahkil Crumpton and Trey Blount, all of whom have seen action on both offense and special teams. Kearis Jackson, who had more than 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns receiving his last two years of high school, enrolled early to go through spring workouts. Georgia also brings back Matt Landers, Josh Moran, Willie Erdman, Caleeb Roberson, Steven Van Tiflin, Patrick Burke, Ed Ferguson, J.T. Dooley and Wyatt Payne.
TIGHT ENDS Senior defensive end Jonathan Ledbetter started 11 games last season and returns as one of the Bulldogs’ top pass rushers in 2018.
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georgia bulldogs
The Bulldogs said goodbye to stalwart Jeb Blazevich, but the position remains both deep and seasoned. Isaac Nauta and Charlie Woerner each had nine receptions last year, the former for 114 yards and two touchdowns and the latter for 100 yards. Jackson Harris added a pair of receptions last year as well, while Wix Patton returns to provide more depth.
2018 spring football