The 10 most important players for Georgia this season

Now that spring practice has concluded and the long summer months are ahead, there’s not much else to do except examine Georgia’s upcoming season.

Due to a relatively favorable schedule, very few losses from last season’s roster and greater experience across the board, it’s not unreasonable to expect the Bulldogs to push for double-digit victories in Kirby Smart’s second season.

Of course, projections are far from guarantees, and Georgia will have to play at a high level with much more consistency than last season to reach the SEC Championship Game. With an eye toward the fall, we’ve compiled a list of who we believe will be the 10 most important Bulldogs.

Some positions that are undoubtedly important have yet to be settled, mostly along the offensive line, so these choices are ones that we’ve got a pretty good idea about at this time. Also, while special teams don’t receive enough credit, these picks are solely offensive and defensive players.

By nature, this list is subjective. Let us know who you think we left out in the comments below, and why you think they will be crucial players for Georgia this season.

No. 10: Whoever plays STAR

Although we don’t know who exactly Smart and Mel Tucker will decide upon to play STAR, they appear to have settled on three primary candidates.

Senior Aaron Davis, junior Tyrique McGhee and freshman Deangelo Gibbs all spent time at the position this spring. Davis has plenty of experience, but he’s also in line to start at safety. McGhee seems like the safest choice if Davis stays at safety, because of his experience in this defense, but Gibbs is a special athlete who possesses the size Smart is looking for at the position.

Whoever the coaching staff settles on, STAR is arguably the most important position on Smart’s defense. Considered a hybrid nickelback, the position is vital in countering today’s pass-oriented offenses.

No. 9: Roquan Smith

If Smith continues to build upon his sophomore season, he will become one of the top linebackers in the SEC, if not the country, in 2017. The rising junior led the Bulldogs with 95 tackles last year, and no other player on the team topped the 60-tackle mark.

Although Georgia’s linebacker corps is one of its biggest strengths at this point, Smith’s nose for the football allows the other linebackers to use other skills such as rushing the passer. He and Natrez Patrick should form one of the most tantalizing tandems in the SEC, but it’s Smith who has the tendency to make impact plays.

No. 8: Sony Michel

In many ways, Michel is a more dynamic player than backfield partner Nick Chubb. The rising senior is an underrated pass protector, an elusive weapon at receiver and a brilliant change-of-pace back.

Depending on how creative Jim Chaney decides to get on offense, Michel could play a big role this season. If Georgia’s receivers turn out to be a liability, the burden might fall on Michel and Brian Herrien to pick up the slack out of the backfield. Although not as quick or elusive, Michel has the type of potential to become the x-factor that Isaiah McKenzie was last year.

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No. 7: Isaac Nauta

One of Georgia’s most promising young players, Nauta could become one of the best tight ends in the country this fall. As a true freshman, Nauta finished third on the team with 361 receiving yards – 237 of which came in the second half of the season.

Evan Engram and O.J. Howard, both first-round draft picks, have shown that tight ends can thrive in the SEC. Nauta is more Howard than Engram, but he will be an important piece of Georgia’s offense in 2017. If the Bulldogs get production from Nauta in the middle of the field, it will make life easier for the perimeter receivers and Jacob Eason.

No. 6: Trent Thompson

Although Thompson’s status remains somewhat in the air, Smart expects to have his dominant defensive lineman back with the team for the fall. The No. 1 overall prospect in 2015, Thompson began to live up to his massive potential in 2016.

There’s no telling how his time away from the program will impact Thompson’s play on the field, but Smart has said he expects him to improve on last season. At his best, Thompson is a destructive force on the interior of Georgia’s defensive line. If he can produce more three-sack games, like he did against TCU, he will make life very hard on opposing quarterbacks.

No. 5: Nick Chubb

If he is able to return to the game-breaking form that he displayed prior to his knee injury, Chubb could be the best player on the field at any given time. There were flashes of that player in 2016, but he also looked to be a step slower at times.

At his peak, Chubb is able to gain yards with very little help, which was a needed skill last fall. If this list were based solely on a player’s talent, Chubb would make a strong push for No. 1. Last year made it apparent how dependent a running back is on his offensive line, however.

No. 4: Lamont Gaillard

Gaillard is used to playing different positions. After arriving at Georgia as a defensive lineman, he switched to offense and became the starting right guard in 2016. Now, Gaillard looks like the man who will replace Brandon Kublanow at center.

The vocal leader of the offensive line, center is an extremely important spot. Gaillard operated as the backup center last season. Given last year’s struggles up front, no explanation is required for how important Gaillard will be.

No. 3: Terry Godwin

An argument can be made that no receiver belongs this high on a list of most important players, but Godwin will replace McKenzie in the slot, which is one of the critical spots in Georgia’s offense. Few doubt the rising junior’s physical ability, but he will need to start producing on the field.

Godwin provided hope for a breakout year in the G-Day Game, and his skills should suit him well at slot receiver. If Godwin provides Eason with a go-to target in the same way that McKenzie was able to, the Bulldogs’ offense will be much more dangerous. If he doesn’t, however, there aren’t many other proven options for Eason to turn to.

No. 2: Isaiah Wynn

Georgia’s most versatile offensive lineman, Wynn will slide over to the all-important left tackle spot this fall. Left tackle was a major problem area in 2016, and it can’t afford to be the same type of liability again this year.

Wynn is a veteran player whose experience will benefit him on the edge, and it’s not the first time he’s manned the position. Wynn has started six games at left tackle in his career, and the Bulldogs are undefeated in those games. He doesn’t possess overwhelming size, but Wynn’s quick feet and long arms should help him fend off opposing pass rushers.

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No. 1: Jacob Eason

Without question, Eason will be the main cog in Georgia’s offense. From a pure talent perspective, Eason is one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC. He’s got to prove he can make the most of his immense ability, however.

Eason didn’t hamper the Bulldogs much last season, and he was directly responsible for some of their brightest moments, but it’s clear he wasn’t consistently making the offense better. Coaches will gladly live with a true freshman quarterback not screwing up, but much more will be asked of him in Year 2.

Georgia’s quarterback play will be extremely important in 2017. If Eason is up to the challenge, the Bulldogs will be very dangerous.