Top 5: Georgia’s most likely defensive breakout performers

We’re closing in on the start of what should be an intriguing 2016 football season.

Oct 3, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Que, the Georgia Bulldogs mascot, sits in his doghouse prior to the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

When the Bulldogs begin their season with the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game against North Carolina on Sept. 3, their defense will look mostly similar to last season. Georgia lost a handful of talented players to the NFL, including Chris Mayes, Jake Ganus and Jordan Jenkins, but most of their replacements have seen a good bit of action in recent years, making the loss of those players less significant.

Those minutes of playing time will make it easier for a number of defenders to have breakout seasons, too. Unlike Georgia’s offense, its defense is loaded with players who have seen the field. They just haven’t played enough to make their mark on the program.

The Bulldogs also have some players who have been key contributors the last couple years, but they’ve been overlooked thanks to the exceptional play of their teammates. That could change this season.

Here are the five players who seem the most poised to break out in 2016.

Next: No. 5: John Atkins