Georgia football has signed yet another impressive recruiting class in the 2022 group, and while they have a few more spots left to fill, there are already 18 early enrollees on campus.
While the other half of this class won’t get to campus until the summertime, there are a handful of players who could make an immediate impact.
It can be hard as a freshman to come in and contribute right away, but at the same time, some guys are ready to play once they learn the playbook.
They are special players, and Georgia could have a few of those in this 2022 class.
These three players from the 2022 class could be pretty special for Georgia football.
The Dawgs currently have 27 players in the 2022 class with 18 enrolled, six who have signed their letters of intent and three hard commits.
According to 247Sports, the Dawgs rank No. 3 in the country and will likely finish there unless they see another five-star sign in February or a couple of four-star guys. If all three sign, they should finish No.2, but a top-three class is enough to brag about too.
Among those guys currently in the class, Georgia has six 5-stars, 14 4-stars and seven 3-stars.
This signing class has a lot of talent, which will add depth to some key areas, making them even more exciting. Georgia signed one of the best defensive back classes in the country, and they filled all of the needs.
An early impact doesn’t always mean starting right away, but some players could see significant playing time by the end of the season.
Some names we think could also see an impact are Brian Robinson, the four-star running back, Oscar Delp, the 4-star tight end, and Bear Alexander, a 4-star defensive tackle. These three were strong contenders in making this list, but for now, the three mentioned in this piece are who we think could be significant pieces in 2022.
With Georgia losing some key playmakers to the NFL Draft and the transfer portal, here are three names we think could see early playing time in Athens and make an impact in 2022.
Georgia football 5-star athlete, Malaki Starks
When Georgia football added 5-star Malaki Starks, it was obvious this young man would be getting playing time as a freshman.
Out of high school, 247Sports ranked him as the No. 18 overall, the No.1 athlete, and the No.3 player out of Georgia. He is 6-1 and 200-pounds, so he will likely be the next big safety or star player.
He could even play some linebacker if the Dawgs need him to do so. Starks is one of the 18 early enrollees, which also helps his case get some playing time in 2022.
In high school, he played quarterback but played both sides of the ball, so Starks is one of those freak athletes. That raw natural ability should excite everyone because his talent is why he could see early playing time.
With him getting to campus early, the coaching staff can work on some of the things he can improve on, but those are things Starks can fix. Georgia does a great job at fixing any tackling issues, so Starks picked the right place to improve his craft.
The Dawgs lose Lewis Cine to the NFL Draft, so they will be looking for someone to rise and take the spot. While there are guys already on campus that could be taking the job to start the season, Starks could hold that starting role by the end of the season.
It will be exciting to see how he transforms with the strength and nutrition programs in place because once he hits his goals there, it will be game on, and good luck to his teammates. Starks is exciting to watch, and with this staff, they will keep pushing him to get better and better.
Georgia football 5-star defensive end, Mykel Williams
Most people know that Georgia football signee Mykel Williams is an exceptional athlete.
He has the track record to prove it. Now it’s time for him to show what he has on the college football stage, and even though there have been times where 5-stars like Williams haven’t always played up to their rating, I don’t think he will be one of those players.
According to 247Sports Composite rankings, Williams ranks as the No. 4 overall, the No.2 defensive lineman and the No.2 player out of Georgia.
He is a 6-5, 265-pound machine that has caused problems on the football field throughout high school. Williams finished his high school career with 207 tackles, 59.5 tackles for loss, 41.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles.
Georgia needs someone to replace Travon Walker, who left for the NFL Draft, and Williams could be that guy. He needs some weight in certain places, but his natural ability will put him on the field before the end of the season, and a great guy to compliment the edge while Jalen Carter bulldozers up the middle.
It’s hard to say that he will start Week 1 against Oregon, but this young man has a fire inside him to compete, and he will be another great piece of the 2022 Georgia defense. The Dawgs want to have multiple rotations they trust can stop offenses, and that is where he could contribute for now.
However, Williams could flat out exceed all expectations and be that guy. He practiced during the playoff preparations, so he knows some stuff already. Williams is a force of nature, and once he fills out a little bit, offenses are going to worry about him like they did Walker.
Georgia football 5-star linebacker, Jalon Walker
Georgia football signee Jalon Walker is probably the guy who could be one of the most exciting to watch for in 2022.
He recently went from being a 4-star linebacker to earning that fifth star in the most recent 247Sports 2022 recruiting rankings.
Walker now ranks as the No. 25 overall, the No. 3 linebacker and No. 2 recruit from North Carolina.
He can be one of the most elite inside linebackers out of the 2022 class and has an insanely high football IQ. Those are two things the Dawgs are looking for when it comes to those inside linebackers, and Walker could be the next in line to lead the defense.
Georgia is losing Channing Tindall, Quay Walker, and Nakobe Dean in the inside linebacker room, so the Dawgs will need a youngster to step up and help that role until they find the next field general.
Walker is such an instinctive player and will be the next Georgia player with that famous last name to put himself into the fanbase’s hearts. He understands what he needs to do on the football field, can adjust on a whim, and just is a player who can perform where he needs to.
Walker will be a guy to know next season, and it won’t take him long to see playing time. There is a window of opportunity for him in Athens, and if he plays his cards right, works hard, and proves himself, the Dawgs will use him on Saturday this upcoming season. He physically has what it takes, and now it’s time to see him put in the work to earn a contributing role.
Georgia football has a class full of playmakers in the 2022 group, and the Dawgs will have a few of them that could see playing time as freshmen. There will be some who have to grow and mature, but as a whole, this is one of head coach Kirby Smart’s best recruiting classes from top to bottom. This group will be one we all look back on and say they were special.