Georgia football sees two NFL rookies impress right away

Aug 4, 2022; Canton, Ohio, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Travon Walker (44) sacks Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) in the first quarter in the 2022 Hall of Fame game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 4, 2022; Canton, Ohio, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Travon Walker (44) sacks Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) in the first quarter in the 2022 Hall of Fame game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Though Georgia football won’t be playing until September 3, fans saw some football last night thanks to the annual Hall of Fame Game. The Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars faced off near the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Speaking of the Hall of Fame, former Georgia defensive tackle Richard Seymour will receive his gold jacket tomorrow. Seymour will become the fifth Bulldog in history to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Though preseason games aren’t known for storylines or lots of action, Georgia fans got a chance to see some former Dawgs take the field in their NFL debuts.

Travon Walker, the No. 1 overall pick by the Jaguars in this year’s draft, immediately introduced himself to Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham and NFL offensive coordinators on his first drive.

https://twitter.com/NFLRookieWatxh/status/1555358617661997056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1555358617661997056%7Ctwgr%5Ebc46891a51eb3fa81c35b41f38261aa3271d88d4%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bigcatcountry.com%2F2022%2F8%2F4%2F23292964%2Ftravon-walker-stands-out-in-preseason-debut-jaguars-fall-27-11-vs-raiders

Walker was penalized for “roughing the passer” on that play, but he would record his first sack a few plays later.

The media praised Walker’s performance, as his size and speed off the edge were on display for football fans everywhere. So far, he looks to be on his way to becoming an elite pass rusher in the NFL.

Georgia football was well represented during last night’s Hall of Fame Game in Canton, OH.

Another rookie who shined during last night’s game was Raiders running back Zamir White. Las Vegas selected him in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. He rushed for 52 yards on 11 carries and netted 23 receiving yards. New Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels said he was impressed to see White run with the physical style he was known for at Georgia.

https://twitter.com/Raiders/status/1555358478939500544

Another former Georgia standout who had a solid performance in this game was cornerback Tyson Campbell. Campbell was taken in the second round of the 2021 draft and finished this game with three tackles. He will look to build off of his strong rookie season, in which he finished with 73 tackles and two interceptions.

The NFL regular season officially kicks off on Sept. 8, when Matthew Stafford and the defending Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams take on the Buffalo Bills at home. Kick-off for this game is 8 p.m. ET.