This Saturday it will be easy to keep your eyes on the returning starters who are going to have a significant role this year but let’s take a look at some true freshmen who are going to burst onto the scene against Austin Peay.

 

You can’t talk about true freshmen without mentioning Justin Fields. Everyone knows that Jake Fromm is the starter and will be leading the Bulldogs in 2018, but Fields will get his fair share of snaps. Kirby mentioned in the offseason that if a guy is ready to contribute, he will play immediately. This was in response to the new redshirt rule where a player can play in four games and still be granted a redshirt. That is exactly why you’re going to see Fields play Saturday and have a role in the offense throughout the year.

Brenton Cox has had the most hype of the freshman in spring/fall camp beside Fields. Coaches have praised his game this offseason and have had him playing with the 1s for a good portion of fall camp. He brings the size and athleticism needed on the edge where he is big enough to play respectable run defense and can terrorize the QB with his elite pass rushing abilities. He is the most physically ready freshman and will be a significant contributor on the defense this season.

James Cook is another freshman to look out for especially with Zamir White going down with a knee injury right as fall camp was ending. I would have had Zamir in his place had he stayed healthy, but Cook’s role got much more critical and he saw a healthy dose of wild-dawg during fall camp. Quick and smooth is how fellow players describe him, and I think he will have an electric play on Saturday.

Freshman cornerback Tyson Campbell has emerged as one of the better cornerbacks this fall camp, and you will see that Saturday. Kirby has been concerned about depth in the secondary since losing Tyrique McGhee to a foot injury that has him ruled out of the opener. The addition of Campbell has eased that burden somewhat because Kirby has seen great things out of the young freshman. Campbell has been promising so far, and he’s going to get an opportunity Saturday to show off his skill set.
 
Last but not least freshman punter Jake Camarda. I don’t think people need to worry too much about the departure of Cameron Nizialek on last years team because of this guy. Camarda came in on a scholarship because Kirby knows how important this position is. I think Georgia fans are in good hands as Camarda has a mighty leg and will provide Bulldog fans with a heavy dose of good field position this season.