UGASports Midseason Awards
With Georgia’s bye weekend upon us, what better time to hand out our own midseason awards.
Seven games in, there have already been some memorable plays and players for the third-ranked and undefeated Bulldogs (7-0, 4-0), who face Florida next week in Jacksonville.
See what you think:
Offensive MVP: Nick Chubb – This is really the only choice as Chubb leads the Bulldogs and the SEC in rushing with 107 carries for 688 yards and eight touchdowns. Although he hasn’t had to be quite the workhorse with the presence of Sony Michel and D’Andre Swift also putting in great work, the school’s second all-time leading rusher has been excellent and well on his way to his third 1,000-yard rushing year.
Defensive MVP: Roquan Smith – Smith was named a mid-season All-American by the Associated Press, so do you think there would be any way we could leave him off here? No, but seriously, Smith has been spectacular. As one of – if not the fastest middle linebacker in the SEC – Smith leads Georgia in tackling through seven games with 53 with many more to come.
Top Offensive Freshman: Jake Fromm – Another no brainer. Fromm is now the unquestionable starter at quarterback for the Bulldogs and it’s easy see why. The former Houston County standout has completed 75 of 121 passes for 1,162 yards and 12 touchdowns and, among starting SEC quarterbacks, is the most efficient passer with a rating of 170.4. Honorable mention goes to Swift and right tackle Andrew Thomas.
Top Defensive Freshman: Monty Rice – Freshmen haven’t had to play a ton on the defensive side for Georgia, but we’ll go with Rice in a close call over Walter Grant. Rice leads all freshmen defenders with 18 tackles, getting his first start last week against Missouri and stands to do so perhaps two more times until Natrez Patrick returns from his four-game suspension.
Offensive Lineman MVP: Isaiah Wynn – Although center Lamont Gaillard has played better than many expected, we’ll go with the senior Wynn who has protected Fromm’s blind-side, and done a very good job, for most of the year. Wynn’s experience has been invaluable.
Defensive Lineman MVP: John Atkins – This choice may surprise some folks. There has been a number of defensive linemen who have played well. But with Trenton Thompson out with a sprained MCL, Atkins has been a rock, taking on double-teams and allowing players like Smith and Georgia’s other linebackers to do their thing.
Offensive Surprise: Mecole Hardman - This award goes to the offensive player where it was unclear what to expect, but so far have exceeded early expectations. Although many thought Hardman would make an impact, it wasn’t sure how much. But as we saw last weekend, the potential is great after the sophomore accumulated 172 all-purpose yards. Hardman has four carries for 40 yards and a touchdown with nine receptions for 129 yards and two scores.
Defensive Surprise: DB J.R. Reed – What a year Reed has had. The transfer from Tulsa has helped anchor the Bulldog secondary and is the team's second-leading tackler with 36, and has an interception. Even Kirby Smart will tell you he had no idea what he had on his hands with Reed.
Offensive Play of the Year: There has been a lot of wonderful offensive memories for Georgia so far, but we’re going with the opening-play flea-flicker touchdown pass from Fromm to Terry Godwin that set the tempo for the Bulldogs’ 31-3 rout of Mississippi State.
Defensive Play of the Year: Notre Dame was driving for a possible game-winning score when Davin Bellamy sacked quarterback Brandon Wimbush, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Lorenzo Carter, sealing the Bulldogs’ 20-19 win.
Perseverance Award: Rodrigo Blankenship – Even coaches weren’t sure what to think of Blankenship. That’s one of the reasons they decided to bring in graduate transfer David Marvin to push the redshirt sophomore. Blankenship responded to the challenge. Not only has he converted 10 of his 11 field goal attempts, but has become a weapon on kickoffs as someone who can consistently be counted on for touchbacks.