Bulldogs To Watch: Georgia vs. Vanderbilt 2020

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Bulldogs To Watch: Georgia vs. Vanderbilt 2020

Demetris Robertson (WR, #16)

Georgia senior wide receiver Demetris Robertson will suit up for possibly the last time in Sanford Stadium on Saturday against Vanderbilt. He has the option to stay another year due to the NCAA’s ‘free year’ this season due to Covid, although Robertson might want to move on after a quiet career as a Bulldog. The Savannah, Georgia native hasn’t had the most successful tenure in Athens, but has played well as of late when JT Daniels took over the starting job at quarterback. Robertson has 10 receptions for 98 yards this season highlighted by a 45-yard performance against Mississippi State. Robertson will more than likely get targeted against a battered and beaten Vanderbilt defense.

Ben Cleveland (OL, #74)

 

 

 

 

Georgia’s offensive line has been a pleasant surprise this season and a huge part of their success is because of right guard, Ben Cleveland. The Stephens County (Ga.) product has vastly improved his draft position in 2020 as he’s improved tremendously throughout the year. At 6-6, 335-pound ‘Big Country’ is a force to be reckoned with. Cleveland won SEC Offensive Lineman Player of the Week after Georgia’s blowout win over Auburn, which was the second of his career. Look for him to be leading the way and creating holes for Georgia’s run-game against the Commodores.

Ben Cleveland
Ben Cleveland (Photo by Chamberlain Smith)

Justin Shaffer (OL, #54)

Like Cleveland, Georgia left guard Justin Shaffer benefitted from this season as he has put together some great game film for NFL scouts. The Ellenwood, Georgia native has started all eight games at left guard so far this season and has been a solid rock to rely on during pass protection. His quickness and ability to get off the ball will show as he prepares for the next level. He’s an example of what Kirby Smart and his staff can do with a three-star talent, which is to mold them and make them better. Shaffer had offers from a few other big-time programs, but stuck close to home where he thought he had the best chance to play. Expect Vanderbilt to bring the house on third downs, so watch for Shaffer to be protecting Daniels’ blindside.

 

 

 

 

Georgia inside linebacker Monty Rice (32) during a game against Mississippi State on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Nov., 21, 2020. (Photo by Chamberlain Smith)

Monty Rice (ILB, #32)

Georgia inside linebacker Monty Rice is having a great senior season, as he’s currently second on the team with 46 total stops. He also has 4.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, five quarterback hurries, two pass break-ups and a touchdown. The Huntsville, Alabama native is the team’s leader and has been very vocal in the team locker room about them staying focused. He’s been especially emotional after losing fellow teammate, Richard LeCounte, after the Kentucky game. Rice could have a career day against a weak and depleted Vanderbilt offense.

Jermaine Johnson (OLB, #11)

Georgia’s Jermaine Johnson started out his college career at Independence Community College and was featured in a season of Netflix’s Last Chance U. Now, he’s suiting up for his last game of his collegiate career on Saturday. Johnson has been impressive this season as he’s racked up a sack in each of the last five games. He’s used as a situational player on certain downs, but has managed to rack up 16 total stops in his senior campaign. There are rumors that he might stay another year to improve due to the NCAA’s rule that this season doesn’t count against eligibility, but regardless, he’s shown his grit throughout his time in Athens. Johnson will be looking to extend that sack streak on Saturday as Georgia’s defense will face a bad Vanderbilt offensive line.

Mark Webb (DB, #23)

Georgia senior Mark Webb was recruited to Athens as a wide receiver, but has since flipped to playing an important role in the secondary. Two weeks ago, Webb had a career-high nine tackles against Mississippi State. Earlier this season, he came up with his first interception against Auburn. The Philadelphia native has made some plays this season, but could benefit if he stays another year. Nevertheless, Webb is one of the team’s most improved players since arriving in 2017. He started his career on kickoff teams and then worked his way into the starting lineup in 2019. Even though Vanderbilt’s offense is struggling, look for Webb to try potentially make some plays against them.

 

 

 

 

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Currently an intern for BI, and a junior journalism major at the University of Georgia.