Georgia Football: Top 5 freshman and newcomers in 2016

Oct 1, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Maurice Smith (2) intercepts a pass in front of Tennessee Volunteers tight end Jason Croom (18) during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. Tennessee defeated Georgia 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia football defensive back Maurice Smith (2) breaks up a pass intended for North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) during the first quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Georgia won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Maurice Smith

Unfortunately Georgia only gets one year with Smith, but it was quite a year.

he made a great first impression in the Georgia Dome against North Carolina by breaking two deep passes where he was initially beaten by the receiver. And near the end of the season he scored the only touchdown in the 13-7 win over Auburn.

He played all of the 2016 at the star position, meaning he was tasked with pass coverage, blitzing, or run stopping every other down. It’s a difficult position to master, but he played it very well.

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