Kevin Butler’s Players of the Game: Georgia vs. Vanderbilt 2023

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Kevin Butler’s Players of the Game: Georgia vs. Vanderbilt 2023

Offensive Player

Daijun Edwards – Daijun might wear No. 30 when he is on the field, but he is certainly No. 1 on the depth chart for the Bulldogs at running back. The Colquitt County superstar led Georgia’s offense with a dominating ground attack against Vandy, as the Bulldogs went to 7-0 for the season. Daijun took over in the fourth quarter with a 62-yard sprint that set up his 1-yard touchdown to seal the victory for the Bulldogs. The senior is our go-to running back, racking up 146 yards on 20 carries versus Vandy. A nice break for him will only do the Bulldogs good after that effort in Nashville. On Saturday versus the Gators,, Daijun is our go to running back as we march towards a three-peat.

 

 

 

 

Defensive Player

Smael Mondon – The junior inside linebacker from Paulding County had a great performance against Vandy in Nashville. Smael totaled six tackles and recorded the only sack of the game for the Bulldogs. His dominating play and his leadership helped Georgia hold Vandy to 18 yards on 15 carries and virtually shut down the Commodores rushing offense. Even with the season being an up and down one on how the Bulldogs defend the rush, this was great timing to solidify and limit the offense, which made Vanderbilt one dimensional. If we can play teams and make them one dimensional, you’ll hear about Smael Mondon a lot more. His relentless play and leadership are keys to reaching our goals.

Special Teams Player

 

 

 

 

Peyton Woodring – Well Ring the Bell … eight in a row … way to go Peyton! The freshman from Louisiana is making a mark in the great state of Georgia with his right leg! Up in Nashville, Woodring came through with the longest field goal of his short career, converting a 44 yarder on his way to a performance that ended up three-for-three on field goals. He has also made all of his extra points. It never gets old to give your place kicker the player of the game because that means we’re converting possessions for points. As the Bulldogs tune up for the final run in the SEC, Peyton is tuned up for success. The Bulldogs need every point they can get with their tough SEC schedule remaining and absolutely need Payton to be perfect in Jacksonville, a place where the Bulldogs place kickers have had trouble in the past. Stay focused Peyton and keep that streak alive.

UNSUNG DAWG OF THE WEEK

It gives me great pleasure to award the training staff, the equipment staff and the logistical planners for the University of Georgia football program with the unsung hero award against Vandy. We all heard about the conditions the Bulldogs faced outside of the stadium were going to be challenging. The way Georgia navigated through adversity, preparing for the Bulldog team to arrive at the stadium, was unmatched. Ron Courson, John Meshad, Vince Tomas, Neyland Raper and their staffs combined efforts to provide first class accommodations for all pregame activities. As the Commodores try to rebuild, not only a stadium, but their program, opposing teams are left out in the cold. Georgia’s unsung heroes all work together to provide the University of Georgia with an experience that enables a team to win championships. Winners are everywhere in the University of Georgia football program.

 

 

 

 

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