Dillon Bell (WR #86) – Before having to be helped off the field, Dillon Bell had himself a decent showing in the season opener versus Clemson. Bell amassed four receptions for 32 yards along with one carry to start off the second half for 27 yards. He suffered a leg injury in the third quarter of the game. In the post-game press conference, Kirby Smart stated that Bell was dealing with cramps. Bell was one of the highest returning productive players with 502 all-purpose yards last year. If he is available on Saturday against Tennessee Tech, the dynamic athlete will again look to diversify his talents both on the ground and through the air.
Colbie Young (WR #8) – Miami transfer wide receiver Colbie Young was one of four Dawgs to reach the end zone this past weekend. Prior to the first game, he had been dealing with a minor hamstring injury. Young seems to be one of Carson Beck’s favorite end zone receivers. Standing at 6’3, he is one of the bigger receivers on Georgia’s roster. Although he only recorded two catches, Young had multiple goal line targets. Also unseen in his first game with Georgia was his ability to gain yards after the catch. At Miami, he consistently took short passes for long gains. As he continues to get healthy, watch out for Young to make an even bigger impact in a loaded wide receiver group.
Tate Ratledge (OG #69) – Georgia’s offensive line came to play against a talented Clemson defensive line. The unit as a whole only gave up one sack and provided various lanes to allow running backs to thrive. Tate Ratledge was not an exception to the performance. The senior offensive guard made the decision to return for his fourth year. Ahead of his decision to return, Ratledge was mocked as a potential fourth or fifth round guard in the 2024 NFL Draft. Against Clemson, he was ranked as the top pass protector on Georgia’s offensive line by PFF. After every score, he did a gravedigging celebration. The trench dawgs certainly dug the Tiger’s grave throughout the matchup.
Nate Frazier (RB #3) – Running back Nate Frazier had one of the best true freshman performances since Todd Gurley in 2012. With fellow running backs Trevor Etienne and Roderick Robinson II out, he was given plenty of chances to show why he was one of the best rated backs in the country out of high school. The newest member of “RBU” averaged 7.5 yards per carry. He rushed the ball for 83 yards and a touchdown. Frazier had a 40-yard breakaway run that rivaled many past Georgia talents. Since Trevor Etienne will likely return against Tennessee Tech, Frazier’s action may slightly decline. Yet, from what fans saw in the opening game, he will seize any opportunity given.
Chaz Chambliss (LB #32) – Chaz Chambliss decided to return to Georgia for his fifth season. Last spring, he talked about focusing on his pass rush and ability to use his hands. Plus, Chambliss talked about his importance as a leader. Leading the room to a high standard, according to him, is essential. He has been cross training with MMA for a couple of years now. Chambliss recorded two assisted tackles against Clemson and is surrounded by many highly touted edge rushers. Chambliss, along with guys like Damon Wilson II and Jalon Walker, are seeking to do something the Dawgs struggled to do last season: pressure the quarterback. The team set the edge well in their first test, allowing hardly any big gains on the outside.
CJ Allen (LB #3) – The linebacker room is once again loaded for Georgia. Returning sophomore linebacker CJ Allen, wearing the legendary Roquan Smith’s No. 3, was all over the field versus Clemson. He had four total tackles, which included three solo tackles. First seen last year, Allen has a twitchy ability to get downhill. He came into this season with 41 tackles in just five starts. Some analysts believe that Allen could work his way into a 100+ tackle season. He will continue to make a name for himself against Tennessee Tech.
Dan Jackson (Safety #17) – Dan Jackson regards himself as a leader as he enters his fifth season with the Dawgs. “Dirty Dan” is a fan-favorite in Athens. The walk-on turned star saw action on the majority of snaps against Clemson and recorded three very meaningful solo tackles. Throughout his playing time at Georgia, Jackson has been at the head of key plays. In his past two seasons, he has two forced fumbles and two interceptions. Many of his best plays have occurred in Sanford Stadium. The play that comes to mind, though, was Jackson’s blocked punt at home against Arkansas back in 2021. His experience is crucial in helping guide a relatively young Dawg secondary.
One of the best players in Lady Dogs history is the First Lady of Georgia Football, Mary Beth (Lycett) Smart, who was a part of four NCAA Tournament and two SEC title teams.
In Georgia’s proud football history, four different head coaches have led the Bulldogs to multiple SEC Championships – Wally Butts, Vince Dooley, Mark Richt and Kirby Smart.
Georgia’s SEC champions of 1946 posted a perfect 11-0 record and won every game by double digits, including a 20-10 victory over North Carolina in the Sugar Bowl.