The NCAA's new redshirt rule was welcomed pretty much nationwide by college football coaches, including Georgia's Kirby Smart.
Under the new rule, players are able to take part in four games and still be eligible for a redshirt, saving a year of eligiblity.
Smart and the Bulldogs certainly took advantage of the opportunity.
With the exception of running back Zamir White who was out recovering the ACL he tore in preseason, six other freshmen were able to get a taste of the college game and be eligible this upcoming fall as redshirt freshmen.
Below, UGASports takes a look at the group and how they might impact the Bulldogs in 2019.
What To Expect: There's a lot we still don't know about White regarding how effective he will ultimately be. But one thing we do know, the young many continues to work his rear end off. Although he's not year cleared for contact and likely won't be until sometimes this summer, just seeing White jogging during bowl practice is an amazing step for the North Carolina native. You can bet coaches will be extremely careful with him moving forward, but after what we've seen, counting White out would be a serious mistake.
What To Expect: Wilson was already making strides and being mentioned as an early contributor before tearing his ACL. Wilson appears to be one of those versatile performers who could play a variety of positions in the secondary for Georgia, including Star, where he has the size and physicality that Smart likes to see in that particular role.
What To Expect: Mostly due to his injury, Ojulari wasn't name you heard a lot about at the beginning of the year, but once he was cleared to play, you started to hear Smart really start to sing his praises. Ojulari is currently at outside linebacker, one of Georgia's youngest, but looking like one of the Bulldogs' more talented defensive positions. It will be interesting to see how Dan Lanning ultimately handles the rotation, but Ojulari will get a long look this spring.
What To Expect: Coaches love what Jackson brings to the field and as of right now, figures to be one of the favorites to capture the starting job at slot receiver, left vacant after Mecole Hardman's decision to turn pro. Physical and considered an excellent blocker, Jackson is also expected to see time on special teams, perhaps as a candidate at punt returner.
What To Expect: FitzPatrick was basically Georgia's No. 4 tight end last fall, but that now changes after Isaac Nauta's decision to turn pro and Luke Ford's decision to transfer to Illinois for family reasons. FitzPatrick figures to be the No. 2 man which will mean extensive playing time this fall.
What To Expect: Right now Condon projects to be a backup at both right and left tackle for the Bulldogs. With the talent Georgia has accrued at each position, ultimately earning a starting role would seem unlikely, but coaches obviously feel he can be a contributor in a backup role and be a capable replacement in case of injury.
What To Expect: Ericson is in a similar boat to that of Condon. The former North Gwinnett High standout played in three games at center, but faces an uphill challenge when it comes to earning a starting role with players like Trey Hill, Jamaree Salyer and possibly Clay Webb ahead of him.
What To Expect: Coaches still love the combination of size and speed that Bush brings to the field and are looking forward to seeing what improvements he can make this spring. With so much attrition having taken place at the position, Bush will have the opportunity to find his niche in the rotation with a solid effort this spring.
