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Seven true freshmen saw significant playing time in Georgia’s season-opener
By Jordan Cox
Published:
It was a tall task on a hot and steamy evening in Athens Saturday.
For those reason’s seven true freshmen made their collegiate debuts Georgia’s season-opener against a top 20 team.
They’re also really talented.
And none of them really looked like freshmen during Georgia’s 24-point home win. In all, seven true freshmen saw the field. Cornerback Dominick Sanders started for the Bulldogs, receiver Isaiah McKenzie, running backs Sony Michel and Nick Chubb, tight end Jeb Blazevich, cornerback Rico Johnson and linebacker Lorenzo Carter.
McKenzie and Michel were initiated in the early-going against the Tigers. McKenzie’s first touch as a Bulldog came in the form of a nine-yard run on Georgia’s second possession of the game. Michel’s first action came on an 11-yard pass from Hutson Mason, and by the end of the first quarter, Michel would record a special teams tackle in addition to catching two more passes for nine yards.
“I guess the coaches felt I could be an asset to the special teams and that’s a very important part of our team,” Michel told the Athens Banner-Herald. “I feel I can make plays anywhere my coaches put me.”
Michel ran for 33 yards and caught three passes for 20 yards.
There’s no doubt, however, that the most impressive performance belonged to Nick Chubb. He carried the ball four times for 70 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown scamper, during which he lost his show and another impressive run where he lost his helmet that was called back due to penalty.
For several on the Bulldog roster, including quarterback Hutson Mason, Chubb’s debut brought to mind another to wear the red-and-black.
“He reminds me of Todd [Gurley] so much because he’s so physical,” Mason said. “The one thing I love about him is he never lets one guy bring him down. It’s pretty special to watch.”
After living in Birmingham, Ala., Jordan left the ground zero of SEC Nation to head south to Florida to tell the unique stories of the renowned tradition of SEC football. In his free time, his mission is to find the best locales around.
