Dawn of the Dawg
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10 Things Georgia Bulldog fans should be thankful for this year

By Kyle Funderburk

Nov 12, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs fans shown in the stands prior to the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs fans shown in the stands prior to the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) runs out of the pocket against the Florida Gators during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) runs out of the pocket against the Florida Gators during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Youth Movement and the Seniors

With not much of a senior class this season, Georgia football has had to rely on juniors and under-class-men to step up. Freshman and sophomores have answered that call the most.

The Underclass

Starting at quarterback, Jacob Eason is one of the best true freshman quarterbacks in Georgia football history. He has 2,127 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.

Four of his top five targets are freshmen and sophomores. Terry Godwin has 32 catches for 341 yards. Isaac Nauta has 24 catches for 305 yards with three touchdowns. Riley Ridley has 11 catches for 229 with two scores and Javon Wims has 13 catches for 171 yards.

Brian Herrien has been a pleasant surprise. As Chubb and Michel have been getting more chances to shine, Herrien’s carries as gone down. But Georgia feels comfortable with him on the field.

Rodrigo Blankenship has become a cult hero at place kicker. he’s 11-of-13 on field goals including the game winner against Kentucky. And defensively, freshmen and sophomore’s like Malcolm Parrish, DeAndre Baker, DeAndre Walker, Natrez Patrick and Roquan Smith have all emerged as leaders and consistent players in their own right.

Seniors

But the seniors also deserve a lot of admiration as well. Maurice Smith and Quincy Mauger are two of the best defensive backs in the SEC. Greg Pyke and Brandon Kublanow are wrapping up great careers on the offensive line. Reggie Davis has supported Eason and the young receivers a ton this season. And Ryne Rankin deserves a lot of credit for his work on special teams.

The Bulldog Nation will miss the 2016 senior class, but they should be very confident in the future of Georgia football because of the freshmen and sophomores headlining many positions on the field.

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