Each week, legendary Bulldogs and Chicago Bears record-setting Hall of Famer Kevin Butler gives us his top players in all three phases of the game. Butler is the co-host of Dawgtalk and the Bulldog Brunch.
OFFENSE
Stetson Bennett- Every good western movie has a hero that rides in on his horse wearing a Stetson cowboy hat. Georgia had on its Stetson to come back Saturday against Arkansas. The Bulldog Nation has always admired Stetson Bennett for his work ethic and being a consummate team player. Saturday against Arkansas, after a slow start, he was the catalyst Georgia needed to wake up a sleeping offense and wake them up so they could join the 2020 football season. Leaving the office with 20 of 29 passing for 211 yards and two touchdowns, Stetson made a claim for the starting position. He was cool, he was calm and the team followed suit. Being ready is what backup quarterbacks must believe in on a daily basis and Stetson has done that his whole career. That preparation paid off with a superior performance against Arkansas. There’s no telling what the week will hold, but competition is always at the forefront on a Coach Smart’s team. Stetson loves competition and competition is a way of life being a Bulldog. Stetson welcomes competition.
DEFENSE
Richard LeCounte- The senior preseason All-American certainly played up to that hype with two interceptions and a tremendous defensive performance in the win over Arkansas. Richard was the leader of his class four years ago and continues to be the defensive leader on the field. With new faces joining an established group on the defense, Richard’s leadership is as important as his play. LeCounte is a true Bulldog and it was never more evident then when he paid homage to the great Scott Woerner with his dice roll after an interception. Keep leading Richard, the Bulldog nation will follow.
SPECIAL TEAMS
didn’t know I could love a punter like I love my son Drew but, Jake Camarda is after my heart. The junior punter from Norcross had one of his best games of his career Saturday in Arkansas. After a sluggish offensive performance in the first half, Jake rescued the offense with six punts, with five of those punts downed inside the 20 yard line. Jake’s performance makes it clear that not only is he a great weapon for the Bulldogs, but he is also one of the best punters in all of College football. Jake’s ability to flip the field is matched only by his ability to pin an offense deep in their territory. Jake will play a role in every game this year. Keep the Leg up Jake!
Unsung hero Coach Scott Cochran and the University of Georgia special teams.
Saturday against Arkansas, Georgia’s special team play was unmatched in college football. 148 return yards, a block punt, two field goals, five touchbacks and a punter who was as surgical as a medical specialist. In Coach Cochran‘s first game, the special teams play has never looked as efficient as it did Saturday. In order for Georgia to reach its goals, the special teams play will be key in the first stretch of the season. Being able to control special teams play makes Georgia a tough team to beat when you combine that with a ferocious defense and a talented young offense. While special teams were causing a lot of teams trouble Saturday it was a beautiful thing to watch while the Dogs won in Arkansas in those lovely red britches.