Apr 21, 2018; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Justin Fields (1) passes during the Georgia Spring Game at Sanford Stadium. Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
ATHENS, Ga. — First games are always exciting.
Not only is it the kickoff to the beginning of a new year, but it’s also an opportunity for fans to see the new players and hopefully get an idea who will contribute to the team’s cause this fall.
That’s certainly true for the fourth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs.
Last year’s recruiting class was pegged No. 1 in the nation by Rivals.com. Many of its names are expected to debut in Saturday’s game against Austin Peay (3:30 p.m., ESPN).
Quarterback Justin Fields has obviously received a lot of attention. But offensively, there are other freshmen — namely running back James Cook, who has been a popular subject of conversation after receiving significant praise from teammates so far.
Cal transfer Demetris Robertson is another.
“They’re fun, they’re exciting,” quarterback Jake Fromm said of Cook and Robertson.
“They’re explosive football players, guys who, when they get the rock in their hands, can make it six points really quick. James and D-Rob will make a great contribution to the team. I saw a lot of highlights, the plays he’s been making and his high school highlights as well. The guy can definitely make a lot of plays, and he’ll make a lot this fall, too.”
Head coach Kirby Smart gave Notre Dame defensive line graduate transfer Jay Hayes a plug.
Hayes, who started all 13 games last year for the Fighting Irish, is not expected to start for the Bulldogs, but Smart assured the media Monday he’s going to receive significant playing time.
“Jay has provided us much-needed depth. I think Jay gives us a lot of quickness on the front. He’s a guy who does movements well, plays good at the point of attack,” Smart said.
“He’s been an asset from an energy and effort standpoint. I compare him to (Jonathan) Ledbetter, where he chases the ball, he runs after the ball. He plays really hard. He’s adjusted to our system very easily. I think having been an older player, he just learns easier. He’s going to provide us a lot of depth. He’s going to be able to play a lot of snaps.”
Other freshmen to watch include outside linebacker Brenton Cox, middle linebackers Quay Walker and Channing Tindall, and cornerback Tyson Campbell, who continues to compete for the starting job at right cornerback opposite Deandre Baker.
“Tyson has come in and picked things up probably more naturally for a defensive back than what I’ve been used to,” Smart said.
“The corner position is probably the easiest to play when you look at our defense. A lot of times they’re man-to-man outside, but there are some checks involved, and he’s handled that well. He’s a very mature kid. He’s practiced hard. If he can stay away from the injury bug, he’s certainly going to play a lot for us.”
NOTES
–QB Jake Fromm hasn’t officially named his starting quarterback. Nevertheless, it would qualify as quite the stunner if Fromm didn’t step on the field first against Austin Peay after leading the Bulldogs to the national championship against Alabama. As a freshman, Fromm completed 181 of 291 passes for 2,615 yards and 24 touchdowns. With a deeper corps of wide receivers, those numbers certainly stand a great chance of improving this fall.
–RB D’Andre Swift takes over as the main man in the backfield following the graduation of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. The sophomore won’t have to go it alone as junior Elijah Holyfield — Evander’s son — will help to shoulder the load but Swift, who averaged almost eight yards per carry as a freshman, figures to be the best big-play threat for the Bulldogs at the position this fall.
–CB Tyrique McGhee will not play in Saturday’s game after breaking a bone in his foot during Georgia’s first scrimmage two weeks ago.
