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[su_spacer size=”40″] Kevin Butler, former University of Georgia legendary kicker and a member of the Georgia radio broadcast team, will each week during the 2015 football season select his offensive, defensive and special teams players of the week for Bulldawg Illustrated. Here are Butler’s selections and reasons why for the Bulldogs’ 38-31 loss to Tennessee Saturday.
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OFFENSE
[su_spacer size=”40″] Sophomore tailback Sony Michel, who ran for 145 yards on 22 carries after moving into the starting slot when leading rusher Nick Chubb suffered an apparent season-ending knee injury on his very first carry of the game.
[su_spacer size=”40″] In a game that took a quick turn on the first play of the game with Nick Chubb getting injured, Sony stepped up in a big way offensively,” said Butler. “Assuming the lead role Michel gave a great effort, running 22 times for 145 yards while not taking a break with his counterpart Nick being out. Sony is a great athlete and his ability allows him to do many things for the offense. Running, receiving and even playing specialty teams is truly doing all you can do for your team. While Sony would like to take back the fumble on the kickoff return before halftime, that will not define his play in my mind. Sony is a leader on this team and his role just took on a bigger role with Chubb out. Keep up the hard work Michel the Bulldog Nation loves it and appreciates that effort.”
[su_spacer size=”40″] DEFENSE
[su_spacer size=”40″] Senior inside linebacker Jake Ganus, who led the Georgia defense with 12 total tackles and also intercepted a Tennessee pass that was deflected by safety Quincy Mauger.
[su_spacer size=”40″] The senior transfer from UAB has certainly brought a little of that tough Alabama football attitude to the Bulldogs defense,” said Butler.
[su_spacer size=”40″] “In a game that looked like two different games, Jake played with the same intensity in both halves against Tennessee and with 8 solo tackles and 4 assists you can see why he is my defensive player of the week. His heads-up play in the first quarter turned into an interception that gave the Bulldogs great field position, but the offense went three and out. Jake chose to come to UGA because he wanted to win in the big league, the SEC; well, we need him to spread that attitude to all the players on the defense in order to make a stand in 2015.”
[su_spacer size=”40″] SPECIAL TEAMS
[su_spacer size=”40″] Junior flanker Reggie Davis, who had his best game at Georgia by returning a Volunteer punt 70 yards for a touchdown, scoring the Bulldogs’ only second half touchdown on a 48-yard pass from Greyson Lambert and, for the game, totaling three catches for 101 yards.
[su_spacer size=”40″] “Reggie Davis was the lone bright spot for the specialty team play Saturday against Tennessee,” said Butler. “On a punt return that started off with a fumble, Reggie got a great bounce as the ball ended up in his hands and then he went to work. Seventy yards later after flipping the field, Reggie’s speed and vision allowed him to get to pay dirt. Davis accounted for 143 yards out of 160 total yards for the team. With Isaiah McKenzie out for the foreseeable future, Reggie’s role is very important heading into the second half of a season … which is a season that is getting out of control.”
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[su_spacer size=”40″] Make sure to check out Bulldawg Illustrated’s latest print edition: Don’t Jump Ship, digital issue available for free online click HERE.
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