Dawn of the Dawg
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Outlook and predictions for Georgia football in 2017

By Kyle Funderburk

Nov 19, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs for a touchdown after a catch against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Louisiana-Lafayette 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs for a touchdown after a catch against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Louisiana-Lafayette 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs safety Dominick Sanders (24) celebrates a interception with linebacker Natrez Patrick (6) and defensive back Rico McGraw (36) and defensive tackle James DeLoach (89) and tight end Jeb Blazevich (83) in the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs safety Dominick Sanders (24) celebrates a interception with linebacker Natrez Patrick (6) and defensive back Rico McGraw (36) and defensive tackle James DeLoach (89) and tight end Jeb Blazevich (83) in the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Pre-Season (cont.)

Offensive line

The six newcomers on the offensive line along with Ben Cleveland give the three returnees a run for their money in competing for the five starting spots. Ultimately, Isaiah Wynn and Dyshon Sims are the only ones left standing as Cleveland a redshirt freshman, D’Marcus Hayes a junior college transfer and true-freshman Isaiah Wilson fill the five spots.

But Lamont Gaillard, Andrew Thomas, Netori Johnson and D’Antne Demery continue fighting and become very valuable backups.

The improvements on the line are obvious overall and even though its full of youth, Georgia develops one of the best two-deep offensive lines in the SEC.

Defense

The other side of the ball is left largely intact. The only major contributors leaving are Quincy Mauger and Maurice Smith and a pair of top-5 safeties, Richard LeCounte III and Deangelo Gibbs arrive early to fill the voids left in Georgia defensive backfield.

The defensive line that was deep but young in 2016 is even deeper with the arrival of Robert Beal, the no. 5 weak-side defensive end in the country and Malik Herring, the no. 5 strong-side defensive end. The unit is also a lot more mature than in 2016 and Georgia’s defensive line is set to become one of the best in the SEC in 2017 and onwards.

The linebackers are also intact with the return of Lorenzo Carter and Davin Bellamy, as well as Roquan Smith and Natrez Patrick’s ascent to becoming juniors. Adding top 150 players Nate McBride and Jaden Hunter to the second string of linebackers with junior D’Andre Walker and senior Reggie Carter makes Georgia’s linebackers just as deep as the rest of the defense.

Overall, Georgia builds one of the best defensive depth charts in college football. The have a great blend of quality experience with youth that has a lot of potential. And they have all that in great quantity. Georgia’s defense is now set for 2017 as well as 2018 and 2019.

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