A new offensive coordinator, the loss of a prodigious talent at running back and the lack of a quarterback on the roster with legitimate SEC experience would be cause for trepidation in most programs.

And yet Georgia is 2015’s runaway favorite in the East Division and expected to field one of the conference’s best offenses.

That’s attributable to a handful of factors, not the least of which is the depth baked into the roster by years of stellar recruiting classes. Four returning starters from a strong ’14 offensive line helps. Also, it never hurts to have perhaps the nation’s deepest and most talented stable of running backs.

Unsurprisingly, that’s where we start our list of Georgia’s top five offensive playmakers for 2015.

1. Nick Chubb

Georgia is known for producing running backs, so it’s especially telling when you consider that if Chubb matches what he did a year ago, he’ll already have the fourth-most rushing yards in school history. As a true freshman last fall, he stepped for Todd Gurley and barely broke stride en route to 1,547 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. This season, it would be hard to overstate the expectations on Chubb, but we’ve seen nothing thus far to suggest that he’ll have a tough time living up to them.

2. Sony Michel

Less than a year ago, many still considered Michel — not Chubb — as the best freshman back in Athens. The funny thing is, Michel did nothing to disprove that notion. He finished the year averaging more than 7 yards per offensive touch, and scored six touchdowns despite getting the ball just 71 times all year. That number could double this season as Michel’s flash provides the perfect counterbalance to Chubb’s power.

3. Malcolm Mitchell

Mitchell’s career hasn’t quite gone the way Bulldogs fans would’ve hoped, but there’s still time to rectify that. Remember, this is a player so talented that the coaching staff couldn’t decide which side of the ball best suited him until nearly midway through his sophomore season. But a torn ACL in the 2013 season opener kept him on the sidelines until October of last season, and seemingly robbed from him some of the spark he showed as a freshman and sophomore. Now nearly two years removed from the injury, look for Mitchell to be the go-to outside receiver for whomever takes quarterback snaps for the Bulldogs.

4. Isaiah McKenzie

True, McKenzie only had 13 offensive touches last season, but anyone who doubts the diminutive dynamo’s place on this list is invited to consult YouTube. Search: “Human Joystick.” Enjoy. Or just ask a Kentucky fan. As a freshman last year, McKenzie had three touchdowns on special teams and two of them (one kick return, one punt return) came against the Wildcats. UGA used him sparingly on offense, resulting in seven carries for 78 yards and six catches for 67 yards. Look for new coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to work him into the game plan more frequently.

5. Starting quarterback

See what we did there? Georgia’s three-way battle for the top spot under center will continue into camp, and while sophomore Brice Ramsey appears to be the favorite, the starter might not be named for a while. Whomever wins the job eventually will have to do more than hand off. Precisely how the team called upon the quarterback to move the chains depends on who wins the job —Ramsey and Virginia transfer Greyson Lambert are better suited in the pocket, while Faton Bauta is the more capable runner. Regardless, the fact remains: it’s difficult to win meaningful games in the SEC if your quarterback isn’t making his share of plays.