Dwight Phillips Junior – The 5’10”, 185 pound sophomore running back from Mapleton, Georgia and Pebblebrook High School continues to impress not only the coaches but the loyal bulldog fans in attendance at the first two games. Dwight’s speed and elusiveness has turned into quite a surprise in a very competitive competition for carries at Georgia’s running back position. Phillips’ performance Saturday was quite impressive. He had seven carries for 55 yards with an average of 7.9 per carry. In two games, he has 12 carries for 115 yards and bumps the average up, raking in 9.6 yards per carry. That speed will be a key factor in trying to keep Rock Top as quiet as possible. Keep the great work up. Dwight.
Defensive Player
CJ Allen – The junior out of Lamar High School stands at 6’1” and tips the scale at 235. He is a very physical player and another linebacker with NFL capability to attend UGA (LBU). Saturday was no different for CJ, leading the defense in one of the more awkward games that the Bulldogs will play this season. Trying to keep the intensity at a high level when rain delays come is very hard to do, but a seasoned veteran finds that situation as a true opportunity. CJ uses all the opportunities given to him to be a leader and a physical force on defense. Leading the defense with seven tackles, five solos, a sack and 1.5 TFL’s was a clear indicator that CJ is heads and shoulders above his competition. His leadership and his physical play are a must in Knoxville Saturday afternoon. He’s a leader. We need the rest of the Dawgs to follow.
Special team Player
Brett Thorson – As the game started early Saturday, the storms came in and finally Georgia got to put the “Thunder from Down Under” back on the field. Thorson‘s hard work and dedication to making it back from a critical injury last year is certainly what kept him on the fast track. Saturday he averaged 43.5 yards per punt and, like always, 0 yards returned. Drew Miller did a fantastic job filling in for Brett last week and earned Special Team Player of the Game. Likewise, Brett performed courageously in his return to the gridiron and certainly put a smile on Kirby Smart’s face! Now, all he has to do is deliver us another 75 or 80-yard punt that goes out on Tennessee’s half yard line, and he will be a folk hero forever.
Unsung Hero of the Game
As we hear from our fan base, the confidence in our offensive line is not quite there. One thing that might have gone unnoticed to the fans was the point in the game where Georgia showed their dominance and slammed the door shut on the governors of Austin Peay. The offense orchestrated a 17 play- 99 yard drive that consumed eight minutes and 43 seconds to beat the governors down into submission. These are the things that an offensive line needs to grow and learn from. As a young team tries to build continuity on the offensive line, Small victories like the 17 plays will help instill confidence in this young, talented offensive line. When the offensive line does good running backs gain yards and when the running backs run, the receivers are open to make plays. Football is a team sport and Georgia has proven over the last 10 years. They grow as a team each game. Bring one home from Rocky Top kids.