Kevin Butler, former Georgia legendary kicker and a member of the Georgia radio broadcast team, will each week during the 2018 football season select his offensive, defensive and special teams players of the week for Bulldawg Illustrated. And this season Butler has added a new category to his superlative awards, the Bulldogs’ Unsung Contributor to the Game. Here are Butler’s selections and reasons why for the Bulldogs’ 38-12 win over Tennessee Saturday.
OFFENSE Sophomore quarterback Jake Fromm, who completed 16-of-22 passes for 185 yards while helping lead the Georgia offense to 441 total yards against the Tennessee defense.
“The sophomore quarterback once again proved why he is the starting quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs,” said Butler. “His performance was again steady and consistent, which provides the leadership needed for this young Georgia offense. As the offensive line grows and develops, Jake’s leadership is essential to their development. Jake’s performance, 16 of 22 for 185 yards, complemented our 441 total yards. I can think of two dropped passes which would have resulted in big plays and they seemed to be good passes. We will need to make those plays moving deeper into the SEC.”
DEFENSE Senior outside linebacker D’Andre Walker, who recorded five tackles, a sack, tackle-for-loss and also forced a Volunteer fumble as the Bulldogs’ defense limited the Volunteers to just 66 yards net rushing and 143 yards passing.
“The senior OLB is playing great football with a high level of intensity,” said Butler. “Walker has become the leader of our young defense and the other players are following suit. D’Andre practices full speed and because of that commitment in practice, he is dominate on game day. The senior had 5 tackles 3 solo’s, a sack and a caused fumble to add to a terrific year after five games. He is our next big NFL star.”
SPECIAL TEAMS Senior snapper Nick Moore, whose steady performance has enabled Rodrigo Blankenship and the UGA kicking game to have a sterling season thus far.
“The senior snapper has taken on a lot of responsibility this year and his leadership is invaluable,” said Butler. “Nick not only took over snapping from the long line of “Frix” snappers but he is providing leadership to the young special guns that are contributing to the success of UGA’s special teams. He has been covering great on punts and all snaps have been right on target. It’s an important part of punting, field goals and winning. Keep it up Nick.”
UNSUNG CONTRIBUTOR TO THE GAME
“The Fleet of WartHogs” jets that flew over Sanford Stadium Saturday and ignited the crowd prior to the Bulldogs’ kickoff against Tennessee.
“Commonly referred to by the nickname ‘WartHog’ — a fighter-bomber effective at attacking ground targets,” said Butler. “It was designed for providing quick-action support against enemy ground forces. When you are led by WartHogs, your ground attack gets stronger and that’s exactly what happened Saturday. The crowd roared and the ground shook and the Bulldogs rolled to another SEC victory led by the famous WartHogs staff.”