Georgia Bulldogs : Fall Camp Questions

At last the long dark of the off-season is nearing its end. Football is less than one month away, and that means that Fall Camp is getting underway throughout the SEC. The month of August will be absolutely critical in determining how each team fares in September, October, November, and beyond. With that in mind, each team has pressing questions they have to answer before the end of the month. We will continue our series by taking a look at the questions facing Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs.

Are the Running Backs Healthy?

Heading in to last season, media pundits were asking who was better: Nick Chubb or Leonard Fournette? But when Chubb tore ligaments in his knee against Tennessee, and was forced to miss the rest of the season, the media seemed to forget about him. At this point they have already anointed Fournette as the best back in the country. But, if he’s healthy, Nick Chubb may have a thing or two to say about that.

So what is Chubb’s status? He has been participating fully in practices so far. And new Offensive Coordinator Jim Chaney is optimistic. Chaney said, “He’s practicing hard like everybody else is, and I see Nick Chubb being the player that he’s been before, and will continue to do so.” That has to be encouraging for Dawg fans to hear. Nevertheless, the true test will come in Georgia’s season opener against North Carolina. Will Chubb be able to carry the rock 20-25 times against a hard-hitting defense? Only time will tell.

Sep 26, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs past the Georgia bench on his way to a touchdown against the Southern University Jaguars during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Southern 48-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

If the Dawgs want to be a factor in the SEC-East, they need Nick Chubb back to pre-injury form. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Chubb’s primary backup Sony Michel has also been bitten by the injury bug. In early July Michel broke his left arm in an alleged ATV accident. Michel is partially participating in practice sessions. He is wearing a soft cast on his injured arm. The original timeline for his recovery was 6-8 weeks. So he should be available by September 3rd.

Verdict: Not yet, but they will be. And Kirby Smart needs them to be. Having Brendan Douglas as your starting running back is something nobody should feel good about.

Is Jacob Eason the Savior Dawg Fans Want him to Be?

Last year Georgia had a tough time finding a capable quarterback. Greyson Lambert was mediocre at best. Brice Ramsey barely played because he is an interception machine. And Faton Bauta was just an utter disaster against Florida. He promptly transferred to Colorado State. Lambert and Ramsey both return, but neither seems like an exciting option.

In January a young man named Jacob Eason arrived in Athens. Eason was the 5th rated player overall according to the 247 Composite. He brings a powerful arm that allows him to make all the throws, something Lambert can’t do. He is also very accurate, unlike Ramsey. In short, he was the most talented quarterback on the team as soon as he set foot on campus.

Verdict: Yes. This kid has all the tools to follow in the footsteps of recent Dawg greats David Greene, Matt Stafford, and Aaron Murray. He will make freshman mistakes at times this season. His big arm could cause him to try to squeeze passes into coverage and lead to some interceptions. But he is a smart young man, and he will learn from his mistakes. He is going to be a truly great player in the SEC.

Who Will be the Starting Kicker?

As an Alabama fan, I’ve always been envious of Georgia’s ability to find great kickers. Marshall Morgan, the latest in the line finally graduated after kicking for UGA for what felt like a decade.

There are three candidates vying to win the job this season: redshirt freshman Rodrigo Blankenship, sophomore William Ham, and freshman Mitchell Wasson. Blankenship was reportedly very good in the spring practices, and he made a 46-yarder during the G-Day game. Ham also supposedly did well in the spring, although he had a disastrous G-Day. He missed his first field goal attempt and kicked his second directly into the back of his offensive linemen. Wasson is a walk-on who hit six of his eight field goal attempts during his senior season.

Verdict: The competition is allegedly wide-open. Nevertheless, I will go with Blankenship. He showed at G-Day he isn’t fazed by crowds. Ham showed the exact opposite. I don’t believe Wasson will be much of a factor and will probably take a redshirt.

The Dawgs have questions, as do all teams at this stage. How Coach Kirby Smart answers them will determine how well the Gators do this season. Let us know how you think he will handle them in the comments. And come back tomorrow to see which questions the Kentucky Wildcats are currently facing.

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