Georgia utilized 17 freshmen during Saturday’s game against Austin Peay. This playing time gives these youngsters much-needed experience as the Bulldogs head into Columbia, South Carolina next week. Below, I break down the true freshmen into three categories. The players are either in the not ready, on the cusp, or ready to play sections.

Not Ready Yet

Some guys that played on Saturday are not quite ready for consistent playing time. One of those guys is Jordan Davis. Now I know some people will likely disagree with me, but he’s not quite there yet. Davis has the size, but he needs some work technically. He’s a work in progress, and by November he could be ready for some time.
Tommy Bush is another guy that just isn’t ready for SEC play yet. He’s got the height, but he’s skinny for his frame at only 190 pounds. With a good year under this strength program, he’ll add weight in the right places. His blocking could improve as well. He could see the field some, but he could get redshirted to avoid injury and allow him to develop some. However, the kid can make plays, I’ve seen it in practice.
John Fitzpatrick is the final freshman that didn’t quite look ready for SEC play. He came in a few times, but outside of that, Fitzpatrick didn’t stand out. He needs to work on his blocks and getting open downfield.

On the Cusp

The first on the cusp guy is Cade Mays. He came in multiple times in different ways and is almost ready to get more snaps. His ability gives the Bulldogs another option at tackle in case anyone gets hurt. He also lined up as the fullback for a play. If Mays continues at this pace, he’ll be on the field some more.
Two more guys that made some plays but still need work are Adam Anderson and Brenton Cox. Anderson recorded two tackles, and Cox recorded one. These two are close to getting a lot of playing time, they just need to get more experience.

Some other guys that could see the field a good bit this season are Luke Ford, Christopher Smith, Channing Tindall, Otis Reese, Quay Walker, Trey Hill and Jamaree Salyer.

Ready to Play

Justin Fields is one of the best backup quarterbacks in the country. He came in for a few series and impressed. Fields went 7-8 for 194 .9 yards and one touchdown. He also carried the ball three times for 33 yards, with the longest being a 15-yard run. I expect to see Fields on the field a good bit this year, but Jake Fromm is still the go-to guy.

Tyson Campbell was of one of two true freshmen to start against Austin Peay. He recorded three total tackles, along with one pass break-up. The 6-2 185 pound cornerback quickly made a name for himself and didn’t appear nervous at all.  Campbell isn’t perfect, but he has the potential to be an excellent corner. As long as he doesn’t screw something up big time, I expect him to keep starting.

James Cook was the second highest rusher after Saturday’s game. He toted the rock six times for 66 yards. Cook averaged 11 yards a carry with a long of 36. Granted he made a wrong decision that cost him playing time during the first half of the next game, he still is ready to see the field more. Cook showed he could catch the ball out of the backfield and soar past defenders. After the first half of South Carolina, expect him to explode and get some yards against the Gamecocks.
 
The final Bulldog that proved he’s ready for the field was Jake Camarda. He punted three times averaging 55 yards a punt. His longest was 63 yards, now that’s what I call a punt. Camarda has a serious leg, and if he can get it under control, he could have a very successful season.