With the season almost here we take a look at the Top 25 Dawgs of 2018. In Part 1 we reveal players 25 – 21.
#25 – Jamaree Salyer – OG (Fr.)
Salyer makes this list based on the fact that he is the best high school offensive guard I have ever seen and he is too good not to make an immediate impact. Salyer is an absolute beast who can dominate and break the will of the man standing across from him. In the ideal world, Salyer would be a quick study and earn a significant role at left guard allowing Kendall Baker to be the sixth man for this offensive line playing multiple positions. Listen to the coaches closely during fall practice because his name is bound to be mentioned early and often.
#24 – Julian Rochester – NG (Jr.)
Rochester arrived in Athens looking the part of a grown man ready to make an immediate impact. He did contribute, but he has not made the impact many were expecting. He has had to reshape his body which he has done quite well, but his motor doesn’t appear always to be running. A theme for players on the lower end of this Top 25 list is a lack of consistency. Rochester needs to be more consistent in practice and on Saturdays. The talent is there; the question is how bad he wants it.
#23 – Brenton Cox – OLB (Fr.)
Brenton Cox may have been the most impressive true freshmen this spring along with Justin Fields. Cox arrived in Athens in better shape than expected, carrying noticeably less weight than as a high school senior. Cox is poised to earn a role at outside linebacker where he appears poised to earn a role during pass rushing situations at a minimum. He plays with heavy hands and has a knack for getting after the quarterback which has been a missing piece for the Dawgs defense in recent years.
#22 – Isaiah Wilson – OT (Fr.)
Wilson, also known as The Brooklyn Behemoth, redshirted as a true freshman and is now pegged to start at right tackle for the Dawgs. If there is any question mark for the UGA offensive line it at right tackle. Wilson is a monster who carries his weight well and has excellent athleticism for his size. Physically, he may be the most gifted lineman on the roster and if he can maul the defender across from him a partnership with Ben Cleveland on that right side could be truly special for years to come.
#21 – Riley Ridley – WR (Jr.)
In his two seasons in Athens, Ridley has shown he is capable of making big plays, but he has struggled with his consistency regarding route running and with his hands. However, it seemed he found his stride in the National Championship game when Javon Wims went down with an injury and Ridley elevated his game to a level we had not seen before. He has the uncanny ability to create separation from defenders and does so better than any other UGA receiver on the roster.
Stay tuned for Top Dawgs 16 – 20 tomorrow!