Every college football team normally has a breakout player that is unexpected by fans in week one. Georgia football is no exception to this. Players like Jake Fromm or Nick Chubb seemingly come out of nowhere and made an impact early in their careers. It is completely unexpected but can completely alter a season for the better of a program.
There are a three key players to watch out for against Marshall in Athens that can make that same type of splash for Georgia this season.
LB Gabe Harris, Jr.
Marshall is going to run the ball a lot versus Georgia. The Thundering Herd ranked No. 20 nationally last season in team rushing yards. That is going to give guys like linebacker Gabe Harris, Jr. plenty of opportunities to make their presence felt up front.
Since signing on to Georgia as a four-star prospect in 2023, Harris has waited his turn and is primed to have a big role in the UGA defense this season. Harris recorded two sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss last year on minimal snaps, but now that Harris is likely going to start at outside linebacker, he could make a big impact in a hurry.
RB Bo Walker
This would not be the first time a four-star true freshman came in week one and turned heads immediately. Ask fans if they knew Brock Bowers would do as good as he did and get as many snaps as he did week one against Clemson in 2021.
Running back Bo Walker is that kind of guy. Walker should get plenty of carries against Marshall, especially if the game gets lopsided after the first three quarters. So expect this kid to make some highlight plays like Nate Frazier did last year against Clemson.
DL Joseph Jonah-Ajonye
Defensive lineman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye is in a similar spot as Harris is. The former five-star recruit in the 2024 clas hardly got any playing time last season due to the sheer amount of talent on Georgia's defensive line. Now that the young player is likely getting thrust into a starting role and against a team that primarily runs the ball, he will be needed in a hurry.
Jonah-Ajonye has the chance to not only prove this is his spot, but it's a position he can excel at it. Watch out for Jonah-Ajonye, because the young redshirt freshman could make waves around the SEC on Saturday.