Kevin Butler, former University of Georgia legendary kicker and a member of the Georgia radio broadcast team, will each week during the 2017 football season select his offensive, defensive and special teams players of the week for Bulldawg Illustrated. Here are Butler’s selections and reasons why for the Bulldogs’ 42-7 win over Florida.
 
COMPILED BY MURRAY POOLE

 

OFFENSE

 
Senior tailback Sony Michel, who rushed for 137 yards on just six carries including touchdown runs of 74 and 45 yards. Michel averaged 22.8 yards per carry against the Gator defense.
 
 
“Sony Michel, the senior tailback, righted the wrong in his storied career,” said Butler. “His 137 yards on 6 carries for a mere average of 22.8 yards a carry could be one of the all-time performances in Georgia- Florida history. His 74-yard sprint sent the pro-Georgia crowd into a first-quarter frenzy that lasted until Monday morning. When Sony made his decision to return for his senior year I know this game was part of that decision, by his performance. As he climbs the record book for rushing yards and now sits in 5th place he will finish his career third in all-time rushing and be part of the duo that sits as the 2nd and 3rd all-time rushers for UGA, along with Nick Chubb. Incredible!”
 

DEFENSE

 
Senior defensive leaders Lorenzo Carter, Davin Bellamy, John Atkins and Reggie Carter, who led the Bulldogs’ powerful defensive performance that limited the Gator offense to 183 yards rushing and just 66 yards passing while recording five sacks of Florida QB Feleipe Franks.
 
 
“These four seniors also chose to return for their senior seasons and it is paying off in many ways,” said Butler. “Let’s review these men’s performance: Lorenzo Carter led the team with 9 tackles and a sack; Reggie Carter had 4 tackles; Big John Atkins was a force in the middle with 2 tackles and continuous disturbance for the Gators all day, and Davin Bellamy is as consistent a player as the defense has had this year and had 2 tackles. It was the first win over the Gators for these seniors and a much-needed one. Great effort from each of these players will continue the ‘Great Senior Run’ for the Bulldogs. Without these men, it would be a different story for the Bulldogs.”
 

SPECIAL TEAMS

 
Freshman linebacker Nate McBride, who sparked the Bulldogs kick coverage unit by delivering several big hits on the Gators’ kick returners.
 
 
“The freshman linebacker finally made his presence felt in the Florida game with intense special team play,” said Butler. “His speed and athleticism is a great combination for success at the first level in college football (SPECIAL TEAMS) and it showed against Florida. His hit on the kickoff coverage in the second half woke the crowd up like a Bon Jovi encore at a senior citizen’s concert … me included! ‘Make the Hedges Shake’ Saturday, Nate!”
 
 
 

 
 
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