2017 Georgia Bulldogs Football Roster: A Comprehensive Breakdown
The 2017 Georgia Bulldogs football team marked a pivotal season in the program’s history, culminating in a SEC Championship and a memorable run to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Under the leadership of head coach Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs fielded a roster brimming with talent, depth, and future NFL prospects. This article delves into the key players, positional breakdowns, and standout contributors from the 2017 Georgia Bulldogs roster.
Offensive Powerhouses
Georgia's 2017 offense was a balanced juggernaut, averaging 35.4 points per game. The unit was spearheaded by a dominant running game and an efficient passing attack.
Quarterbacks
- Jake Fromm (Fr): Thrust into the starting role after an injury to Jacob Eason, Fromm displayed poise beyond his years. He completed 62.2% of his passes for 2,615 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions.
- Jacob Eason (So): Started the season opener but suffered a knee injury, limiting his playing time. He appeared in 4 games, passing for 260 yards and 1 touchdown.
Running Backs
- Nick Chubb (Sr): A workhorse back, Chubb rushed for 1,345 yards and 15 touchdowns on 223 carries (6.0 avg.). He added 16 receptions for 150 yards and 1 touchdown.
- Sony Michel (Sr): Michel formed a dynamic duo with Chubb, accumulating 1,227 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 150 carries (8.2 avg.). He also caught 9 passes for 96 yards and 1 touchdown.
- D’Andre Swift (Fr): The freshman sensation provided a spark, rushing for 390 yards and 3 touchdowns on 81 carries (4.8 avg.).
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
- Javon Wims (Sr): Led the team with 45 receptions for 720 yards and 7 touchdowns.
- Terry Godwin (Jr): Contributed 38 catches for 639 yards and 6 touchdowns.
- Isaac Nauta (So): The talented tight end hauled in 29 passes for 361 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- Riley Ridley (So): Added 13 receptions for 220 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Defensive Stalwarts
Georgia's 2017 defense was a force to be reckoned with, allowing only 17.2 points per game. The unit was anchored by a stout defensive line and a ball-hawking secondary.
Defensive Line
- Trent Thompson (Jr): The massive defensive tackle recorded 30 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks.
- John Atkins (Sr): Atkins clogged running lanes, tallying 24 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.
- Da’Quan Hawkins-Muckle (Jr): Contributed 19 tackles and 3 tackles for loss.
Linebackers
- Roquan Smith (Jr): The Butkus Award winner led the team with 137 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. He also intercepted 1 pass and forced 1 fumble.
- Lorenzo Carter (Sr): Carter recorded 62 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks.
- Davin Bellamy (Sr): Bellamy added 50 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks.
Secondary
- Dominick Sanders (Sr): The veteran safety led the team with 5 interceptions, adding 55 tackles and 2 tackles for loss.
- J.R. Reed (Jr): Reed recorded 49 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery.
- Deandre Baker (Jr): The lockdown cornerback tallied 35 tackles and 1 interception.
Special Teams Standouts
Georgia's special teams unit played a crucial role in the team's success, with several key contributors:
- Rodrigo Blankenship (So): "Hot Rod" connected on 20 of 23 field goal attempts (87.0%) and 59 of 60 extra points (98.3%).
- Cameron Nizialek (Sr): Averaged 45.0 yards per punt, with 22 punts downed inside the 20-yard line.
- Mecole Hardman (So): The dynamic return specialist averaged 26.6 yards per kickoff return and 10.4 yards per punt return.
Season Highlights and Achievements
The 2017 Georgia Bulldogs achieved numerous milestones, including:
- SEC Championship: Defeated Auburn 28-7 in the conference title game.
- College Football Playoff: Advanced to the National Championship Game, falling to Alabama 26-23 in overtime.
- Individual Awards: Roquan Smith won the Butkus Award, and several players earned All-SEC and All-American honors.
Who was the starting quarterback for Georgia in 2017?
+Freshman Jake Fromm started 14 of 15 games, taking over after Jacob Eason's injury in the season opener.
Which Georgia players were selected in the 2018 NFL Draft?
+Notable draftees included: Roquan Smith (1st round), Isaiah Wynn (1st round), Sony Michel (1st round), Nick Chubb (2nd round), and Lorenzo Carter (3rd round).
How many rushing touchdowns did Nick Chubb and Sony Michel combine for in 2017?
+The dynamic duo combined for 31 rushing touchdowns, with Chubb scoring 15 and Michel scoring 16.
What was Georgia's record in 2017?
+The Bulldogs finished the season with a 13-2 record, including a 7-1 mark in SEC play.
The 2017 Georgia Bulldogs roster was a testament to the program’s resurgence under Kirby Smart. With a perfect blend of experienced seniors, talented underclassmen, and future NFL stars, this team etched its place in Georgia football history. As the program continues to thrive, the 2017 season serves as a benchmark for success, inspiring future generations of Bulldogs.
