Georgia football: why this year’s draft is the biggest in program history
Four juniors on offense surprised Georgia football fans by deciding to enter the NFL Draft. Neither had great stats throughout their careers.
After solid, but standard seasons from four juniors on offense, Georgia football fans expected the 2019 offense to be led by the same players. Instead, wide receivers Riley Ridley and Mecole Hardman, tight end Isaac Nauta, and running back Elijah Holyfield each decided to forego their senior years.
Their announcements were shocking since only Holyfield had impressive stats in 2018, and none of them were even known for posting great stats in their careers. Holyfield rushed for 1,018 yards with seven touchdowns. But his career rushing totals include just 1,340 yards and nine scores.
Ridley ends his college career with 1,015 receiving yards with 13 touchdowns. Over half those totals came this past season. Nauta bounced back from a disappointing sophomore season with 430 yards and four total touchdowns, ending his time in Athens with just under 900 yards. Hardman had the best overall career thanks to his work as a receiver and returner. He ends his career with 2,525 all-purpose yards with 14 touchdowns.
Stats aren’t everything, but they are the first thing used to judge players. Typically, these aren’t the stats of players who leave school early. And yet, these four made that decision. Even without the stats, scouts have raved about them. Each were expected to be chosen by the end of the fourth round by NFL Draft Scout. That’s pre NFL Combine (going on right now) and UGA Pro Day (March 20). Ridley in particular has already increased his stock for this draft.
That’s why this draft might be the most important in program history. If NFL teams select all four of them within the first four rounds in spite of their pedestrian stats compared to others at their positions, think of the message it’ll send to recruits.
Top running backs prospects won’t have to worry about going to a program who’ll maximize their exposure. Why risk injury going somewhere that’ll hand them the ball 25-plus times each game, when they can come to Georgia, carry it 12 times a week and then enter the NFL Draft as a junior? They’ll make their money quicker, while also being healthier upon entering the league.
Georgia is a run-first offense. They’re not expected to sign many elite receivers or tight ends. But those expectations will be shattered if Ridley, Hardman, and/or Nauta all hear their names called early.
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Georgia is already recruiting on an elite level. The last three classes have been unanimously ranked in the top-three. This draft would ensure the current recruiting success to become the status quo for years to come.