Georgia Football: Dawgs to watch against Austin Peay

Riley Ridley:

Going into last season, Riley Ridley was a player that many including myself expected a lot from. I for one expected him to beat out Javon Wims as the go-to receiver for Jake Fromm. Seeing how Wims has adjusted to the NFL this preseason tells us just how good he actually was. Pretty much the entirety of college football slept on him.

Now Ridley goes into his Junior year with a huge opportunity. When Wims went down injured in the National Championship game, Ridley stepped up. He showed an ability to not only go up and catch the football but also to separate from elite level cornerbacks.

2018 is going to be a big year for him. At times Ridley has looked like a potential NFL receiver, but he’s yet to put together a consistent season. Instead, he’s simply flashed in important moments during his first two years. This should be the year that he takes that step up and the Dawgs will need that with Terry Godwin currently sitting out of practice.

Ridley and Mecole Hardman are now the two more experienced receivers until Godwin returns. They’re very different players and we’ve already seen just how good Mecole can be. Ridley needs to step up and show his team that he can be a go-to player this year, especially with Demetris Robertson now on the team. Saturday will be an opportunity for him to set the tone for his third season.