ANDREW THOMAS (OT, #71)
The 6-5, 320-pound Thomas, just a sophomore, has evolved into one of the nation’s best offensive linemen in his two seasons in Athens. Moved from right tackle to left tackle this season, Thomas has used his quickness, footwork and power to not only create space for the Bulldogs’ talented running back corps but, also, keep opposing pass rushers off quarterback Jake Fromm. His experience and leadership will be crucial as Georgia enters its final two regular season outings, before facing top-ranked Alabama in the SEC title game.
ISAAC NAUTA (TE, #18)
The Bulldog Nation was wanting Jake Fromm to target the tight ends more this season and the Georgia QB and coaching staff have certainly done that, especially when it comes to getting the ball to Nauta. The rugged 6-4, 240-pound junior led the Bulldogs in receiving in the 36-17 romp over Florida with five catches for 73 yards and then came back with Georgia’s first touchdown in the 34-17 SEC East-clinching win at Kentucky … pulling in a 4-yard touchdown strike from Fromm. Nauta, who also clears the way for the UGA tailbacks with his blocking, will be a key weapon for the Bulldogs once again in Saturday’s home skirmish with UMass.
RICHARD LECOUNTE (SAF, #2)
LeCounte, a 5-11, 185-pound sophomore safety out of Liberty County High, is at the top of the Bulldogs’ tackle chart along with linebacker Monty Rice and has made a number of big plays, including a fumble recovery and a 32-yard run to set up Georgia’s first touchdown in the win over Florida. LeCounte and the rest of the Bulldog secondary will be severely tested by UMass quarterback Ross Comis and the nation’s top receiver, Andy Isabella.
JORDAN DAVIS (NT, #99)
Since being inserted into the Bulldogs’ starting defensive front against Florida, this 6-6, 320-pound freshman out of Charlotte, N.C. has literally stood tall by using his strength and quickness off the ball to create stalemates with opposing linemen, thereby freeing the Georgia linebackers to make the tackles. Davis should continue his improvement in Saturday’s UMass game, the Georgia Tech game and then, that little game coming up Dec. 1 in Mercedes-Benz