Georgia - The studs that got them there

by Jeff Dantzler

Georgia #3 Todd Gurley, TB

When Isaiah Crowell was dismissed from the Georgia team, there was a major concern
that the Bulldogs wouldn’t have standout play at tailback. And therefore, wouldn’t have a
special season. Well, Georgia upgraded. Big time! Gurley joins Herschel Walker as the
only two freshmen in program history to rush for over 100 yards in a season. In his first
game, he cracked the century mark and ran a kickoff back 100 yards for a touchdown.
Gurley’s play and ability took Georgia’s expectations to another. He can score a touchdown
any time the ball is in his hands. He’s physical, fast, goes forward on tackles and has a
knack for the first down marker and end zone. Fellow true freshman Keith Marshall can go
the distance, and has been an outstanding counter-puncher to Gurley, who is cut from the
cloth of those great Bulldog tailbacks of the 1980s. Touchdown runs against Vanderbilt
and Tennessee, and the toughness displayed in Georgia’s win over Florida were reminiscent
of the Goal Line Stalker himself.

Georgia #29 Jarvis Jones, LB

There is no defender in America who had two games this season that compare to what
Jones did in Georgia’s wins over Missouri and Florida. Quite simply, without him, Georgia
would likely have two more losses and most certainly wouldn’t be playing Alabama for the
Southeastern Conference championship. He is the total package – sacks, interceptions,
tackles for loss, forced fumbles, recovered fumbles and bone-jarring stops. Jones could be
the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. He has been a great leader on the team and has been one
of the key figures in the Bulldogs rejuvenation. Georgia has beaten Florida in back-to-back
seasons for the first time since 1988 and 1989. Jones two games against the Gators are
the two best individual performances in consecutive contests against Florida since Walker’s
incredible trio of showings in the victories of 1980, 1981 and 1982.

Georgia #26 Malcolm Mitchell, WR

It was an intense recruiting battle between Georgia and Alabama for the lightning fast playmaker
out of Valdosta. It was a huge win for Georgia. One of the best freshmen in America
a year ago, Mitchell played corner in the Bulldogs first two games due to Georgia’s
secondary suspensions to start the year. He then moved back to receiver – as well as returning
some kickoffs and punts – and has been tremendous. Mitchell has made arguably
the biggest play of the year offensively, with his touchdown catch-and-run that gave the
Bulldogs the final score in the 17-9 victory in Jacksonville. He also hauled in major touchdown
receptions in wins over Ole Miss and Georgia Southern. Despite season – ending injuries
to standout receivers Michael Bennett and Marlon Brown, Georgia still has several
offensive weapons. The two that worry Bama most – make no mistake – are Gurley are
Mitchell.

Georgia #11 Aaron Murray, QB

In three years as Georgia’s starting quarterback, Murray has broken numerous program
passing records. He’s also an outstanding runner and is at his best, especially against
fierce defenses, when on the move. The next big step for the fourth-year junior out of
Tampa is to lead the Bulldogs to a title. In Georgia’s 10-game losing streak to ranked
teams, Murray was behind center for all of them. He struggled in the loss, as did everyone
in red and black, at South Carolina. He struggled mightily in the win over Florida, throwing
three interceptions. But when the chips were down, he led Georgia on the big drive, and
got the ball in Mitchell’s hands for the big play – on the Bulldogs lone third down conversion
of the contest – that put the Bulldogs up 17-9. He was tremendous against Kentucky,
Ole Miss, and Auburn. Now comes arguably the best defense Georgia will face this season.
Records and statistics are great. Legacies are comprised of victories and championships.

Tagged: jeff dantzler, georgia sports news, sec football, todd gurley, jarvis jones, malcolm mitchell, aaron murray