It's that time of year again Bulldogs fans. Tis’ the season where we ignore all the politics and hate each other for one reason and one reason only. Football. Last year my prediction was not foretold the way I’d hoped but this is a very big year upcoming for the Bulldogs. As the great Ric Flair stated, it’s Georgia’s year. With Dawg football just days away, we ignore the past and look to the future, a very bright future.
A New Breed
Freshman George Pickens
Unfortunately for the Dawgs, they lost 6 of their top offensive weapons. We saw the departure of Senior Terry Godwin, and Juniors Elijah Holyfield, Mecole Hardman, Riley Ridley, and Isaac Nauta, all of whom pursued their dreams of playing in the NFL. The Wide Receiver room also lost a budding star in Sophomore Jeremiah Holloman who is no longer with the team for reason we’d rather not get into. It’s going to be a whole different look behind new Offensive Coordinator James Coley. The Bulldogs offense will appear a bit different as we look to emergence of Demetris Robertson, Tyler Simmons, and Lawrence Cager, as well as one very special AJ Green-esque’ freshman by the name of George Pickens. With a new system in place, Jake Fromm will have some talented targets this fall.
Defense Wins Championships
Freshman Nolan Smith
Among those the Bulldogs lost was Star Cornerback Deandre Baker, who was drafted 30thoverall by the New York Giants. As it appears, the new breakout star for the defense is none other than former 3-star Erik Stokes. Stokes had a tremendous end to his redshirt freshman season and projects to be Georgia’s #1 corner opposite Sophomore Tyson Campbell OR Juco Product DJ Daniels. Even with the talent that will fill Georgia’s 3rdlevel, that isn’t even the best part of the defense. Georgia’s incoming recruiting class brought us two stud prospect who will take over the edge rushing and makes QB scared. We’ll start with Jermaine Johnson who finished his sophomore year at “Last Chance U’s” Independence CC as the #1 Juco player in the country. UGA also brought in the #1 High School recruit in Nolan Smith. This duo will be a huge bright spot for Georgia this season for a D-line that looks much improved. QBs better have their head on a swivel because one of these guys will be putting you on the ground.
The 5-Headed Running Back Monster is Back Again
Redshirt Freshman Zamir White
Let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be a Georgia football preview if we didn’t talk about the amazing job Dell Mcgee has done at recruiting and coaching this backfield. Last year Georgia had a terrific group of RBs but this season is EVEN better. D’andre Swift enters his Junior Year as a potential Heisman candidate and will continue where he left off last year as Georgia’s Starting Running Back but it’s the depth that astonishes everyone. Brian Herrien is often forgotten about but is a tremendous player in his own right, and James Cook has shown his potential as a premier back on several occasions. However, there is one name that will excite any Georgia fan, Zeus. Zamir White was the #1 Running Back in the 2018 class but suffered 2 separate ACL tears in the last year and was off the field for the entirety of his true freshman year. Now healthy, Zeus is primed to get his shot this Saturday versus Vanderbilt. Earlier today Kirby Smart said on White, “he’s raring to go”. If that doesn’t make you excited, then I don’t know what will.
Projection: 14-1
Final Ranking: #1 National Champions