LADD MCCONKEY (WR #84) – Most Georgia fans probably did not even know who Ladd McConkey was heading into the season. As an undersized, redshirt freshman people knew McConkey had speed, but that is about it. With all the injuries to Georgia’s receivers, McConkey has stepped up big time, delivering the performance of his career against Auburn. He led the Bulldogs with 135 yards receiving on just five catches. McConkey torched Auburn’s defensive backs with his speed multiple times on Saturday. Georgia will need that type of performance again against a talented Kentucky defense.
KEARIS JACKSON (WR #10) – Jackson has not been able to repeat the performance of his stellar year last season mainly because of nagging injuries. He was limited to just punt returns for Georgia’s first couple of games before finally getting to take offensive snaps again. Jackson only has six catches for 67 yards this year. Hopefully, as he gets healthier his productivity increases. When he’s at his best, Jackson is a force to be reckoned with in the slot.
SEDRICK VAN PRAN (OL #63) – Van Pran is another player that has made the most of his opportunity. When Tate Ratledge left the Clemson game with a season-ending injury, Van Pran was forced to come in at center because Warren Ericson needed to fill the void at right guard. He’s more than held his own, at times dominating in the trenches. That was especially on display against Arkansas. Van Pran got a lot of reps at center in fall camp because of a hand injury to Ericson. Georgia’s offensive line seems to be clicking at the right time and a lot of that has to do with Van Pran’s solid play in the middle.
QUAY WALKER (LB #7) – Nakobe Dean and Channing Tindall have been tremendous for Georgia at inside linebacker. Sometimes though, the play of Quay Walker can be overlooked. Walker had a bit of a rough start to his Georgia career and did not get much playing time as a highly-touted recruit. The senior from Crisp County is having his best season as a Bulldog so far. Walker made one of the more impressive plays of the game against Auburn, flying in and chasing down Tigers quarterback Bo Nix to get his first sack of the season.
TYKEE SMITH (DB #23) – Smith played his first defensive snaps of the season against Auburn after suffering a foot injury in fall camp. The West Virginia transfer was expected to be a big piece for an inexperienced Georgia defense. He was ranked as one of the best defenders in college football last season, so it will be interesting to see how Georgia uses Smith with the way that Latavious Brini has excelled at the STAR position so far this year.
JACK PODLESNY (K #96) – It’s been a good season for Podlesny as Georgia’s kicker. He started off shaky, before seeming to find his rhythm. He went 3-for-3 against Arkansas, but then missed a field goal off of the upright against Auburn. Georgia has not played in a close game since the opener against Clemson, but if Kentucky gives the Bulldogs a fight, Podlesny will need to be at his best.