By: Kipp Branch

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

As G-Day rolls around once again for the Georgia Bulldogs what will unfold for the Georgia Bulldogs in 2017.

93,000 showed up excited for the spring game last year, and despite that excitement the Dawg struggled at times and finished with an 8-5 record after dropping home games to Vandy, Tennessee, and GT.

The 2016 Dawgs did not know how to finish teams off. The defense played well enough to win 10 games last year but the offense struggled moving the ball in key moments against the Florida’s of the world and mental mistakes like a late interception against Georgia Tech that set up a winning drive for the Jackets.

Fast forward to year two in the Kirby regime and things look a lot better after Smart hauled in the highest ranked recruiting class in a long time in the Classic City.

As we look at the UGA offense the strong point is running back. When Nick Chubb and Sony Michel returned expectantly for their senior seasons the UGA backfield became the best in the nation with Brian Herrien, Elijah Holyfield, and incoming Freshman D’Andre Swift rounding out this sickly talented unit. The RB position is loaded in Athens.

Folks are saying Chubb is back moving like the pre-injury Chubb of 2015. You saw peeks of that in the Liberty Bowl win against TCU.

At QB, Jacob Eason is super talented and the man at that position right now. Eason had a pretty good freshman season and he has a rocket arm. Year two in this system and many believe Eason will be an All-SEC QB in 2017.

Jake Fromm enrolled in January and is really pushing Eason hard according to reports. Fromm is that super talented QB from Houston County and Coach Smart has raved about his leadership qualities since he has been on campus.

Look for Eason to come out as the clear QB post spring with Fromm being ready to play if something happens. With Brice Ramsey transferring UGA is thin at the position, but the top 2 are as good as anyone in the SEC.

At WR, talent is there now after two recruiting classes. Look for Terry Godwin, Riley Ridley, and Javon Wims to be starters.

Will this be Godwin’s breakout season? The former five-star recruit needs to take his game to the next level. Ridley made big plays as freshman and will only get better. Wims came on late in the season and could be the big physical receiver needs on the outside.

UGA signed 3 four star receivers in Jeremiah Holloman, Mark Webb, and Trey Blount. Holloman came in early and the coaches rave about his ability. If this group develops the offense could be scary good.

TE depth is off the charts with Isaac Nauta leading the way. Jeb Blazevich, and Charlie Woerner make this the best TE position group in the SEC. Look for Nauta to have a huge season.

The OL is the biggest concern and UGA addressed it with by signing six offensive lineman including former BHS Pirate D’Antne Demery, but every UGA fan I know is asking how will this group perform?

That is the big question mark. Isaiah Wynn looks like he will be the man at LT, Lamont Gaillard at C and Ben Cleveland at RG. Dyshon Sims may win the LG job. Right tackle has to be sorted out. Bodies are there but they are young and SEC defensive lines are pipelines to the NFL. If this group can produce then UGA will have the best offense in the SEC East and maybe the entire SEC.

It is never too early to talk SEC football. UGA has a chance to have a great season in 2017.