Under the Radar: Players UGA need to have an impact in 2019
A new year with high expectations! UGA seems primed for a big run in 2019! But there will be a need for several players in key positions to step up. The Bulldogs will need to replace 15 scholarship seniors, 4 Juniors that decided to forgo their final season and a few transfers. That attrition would typically set a program back a few recruiting cycles. Not UGA, Coach Kirby Smart and staff have recruited for this type of scenario. The Bulldogs have topped the recruiting ranks over the past 3 years to help build depth and an abundance of talent. With 6 returning starters on offense and defense it leaves Georgia with several positions to place the aforementioned talent. If the Bulldogs want to meet their "Championship or Bust" expectations, they will need to lean on some players that may not be getting the off-season press!
Below are a few "off the radar" players that may not be getting the deserved attention from the media, but should play a big role this fall.
Jordan Davis, DT- At 6-6 and 330lbs, Davis is hard to miss. But you may not of been able to see much of him last season. Davis battled weight and health issues throughout the season. When he was on the field, the Bulldogs defense went to another level. If he can be a consistent presence in the middle for the Bulldogs this season, you'll be hearing his name
Divaad Wilson, CB- Wilson was recovering throughout the 2018 season from an knee injury. He finally got clearance towards the end of the year and ended up playing in extensive action vs. Texas in the Sugar Bowl. He had four tackles in the game, including one for lost yardage, and also a pass breakup. With Eric Stokes likely to fill Deandre Baker's spot, It will be interesting to see if Wilson can continue his climb!
Charlie Woerner, TE- With Issac Nauta declaring for the NFL Draft and Luke Ford deciding to transfer back to Illinois, Woerner's opportunity to shine has never be brighter! The Legacy Bulldog played in all 14 games, starting vs. LSU and Florida...finished with 11 catches for 148 yards on the season. Woerner has shown flashes of his potential throughout his career, but can he be the Tight End presence Dawgnation yearns for?
James Cook, RB- Cook's talent and athletic ability may be as high as anyone's on the team this season. Cook showed these flashes in mostly mop-up duty during the 2018 season. Cook Played in 13 of 14 games and was the team's fourth-leading rusher, with 284 yards on 41 carries. He also caught eight passes for 89 yards, which seems to think we could see him at slot this season? With Zamir White's health being an unknown and with an entire season of college conditioning behind him, look for Cook to contribute on on special teams and in the UGA backfield.
Tyler Simmons, WR- was onsides. This is Georgia's biggest question mark on the season. Who will be catching the ball from Jake Fromm? With James Coley taking over the offensive play-calling, the Bulldogs are expected to air it out a little more. With no other wide receiver topping 50 catches in the Kirby Smart era, this should be a big change from the bulldogs. Tyler Simmons has the versatility and speed to be a top target. Expect to see him in a similar role s Terry Godwin played for the Bulldogs.