4 Dawgs ready for breakout seasons

There is never a shortage of talent in Athens.

Since 1993, Georgia has had at least two draft picks taken in the NFL Draft, and UGA has consistently produced NFL stars such as Justin Houston, Matthew Stafford and A.J. Green.

Georgia’s deep roster leaves the opportunity for stars to shine Between the Hedges, and backups to learn, develop and gain experience under their counterparts. However, as former starters leave for the NFL, former backups will have to step up into the spotlight.

Here are four Bulldogs ready for a breakout year:

OLB Davin Bellamy

Oct 17, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs players linebacker Lorenzo Carter (7) and linebacker Davin Bellamy (17) and defensive back Kirby Choates (33) react after defeating the Missouri Tigers at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Missouri 9-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Bellamy shined in his playing time in 2015, registering 33 tackles and three sacks in ten games. The redshirt junior gained this notable playing time, despite being placed behind NFL Draft picks Leonard Floyd and Jordan Jenkins. The hard-hitting outside linebacker undoubtably learned from his older counterparts over his early years in Athens and looks to follow in their footsteps to contribute even more on a Georgia defense that lacks veteran experience.

DT Trent Thompson

Oct 3, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) runs the ball while defended by Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Trenton Thompson (78) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

The former 5-star recruit naturally saw the field early and often, playing in 12 of 13 games in his freshman campaign. The defensive tackle will be asked to fill a bigger role in 2016, as the Georgia defensive line will need to replace Sterling Bailey, James DeLoach and Chris Mayes.

Thompson is a huge body (6’4″ 307 lbs) and has all the talent to become a star in the SEC. With another year of weight training, as well as learning and understanding the speed and pace of the SEC, Thompson looks ready to thrive in 2016.

WR Terry Godwin

Nov 7, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Terry Godwin (5) runs for a touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Kentucky 27-3. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

By the end of the year, Terry Godwin had become a household name around the Bulldog Nation. Godwin shined as a true freshman, starting nine games and seeing the field in all 13 games. Godwin quickly contributed, becoming Georgia’s second leading receiver, only behind NFL Draft selection Malcolm Mitchell. The sophomore is only 5’11” in stature, but is the favorite to become Georgia’s leading target in 2016. Godwin will be forced to step up in his sophomore campaign, as Georgia is relatively unproven at the wide receiver position.

TE Jeb Blazevich

Nov 1, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Jeb Blazevich (83) catches the ball as Florida Gators linebacker Antonio Morrison (3) defends during the first quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Although Blazevich is a household name around Athens, his numbers suffered last year with Georgia’s lethargic offense. Georgia’s offense in general sputtered, but suffered specifically when it came to the passing game.

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Despite arguably having one of the most talented groups of tight ends in the country, Georgia offense was unable to distribute the ball to them. Blazevich, who many consider to be the most talented of last year’s group, only caught 15 passes for 144 yards, down dramatically from his freshman year. Whichever quarterback wins the job for the fall, it would seem likely that Georgia will get the tight ends more involved in the passing game, which leaves Blazevich in the perfect place to benefit.

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