Georgia Bulldog Freshmen Class Living Up To The Hype
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ATHENS - Kirby Smart has taken the Georgia football program and turned it into a monster.
The Bulldogs are reigning national champions and the clear favorite to win it all again this season.
That’s because Smart knows what it takes to build a program, a culture, and a machine on the recruiting trail. Georgia has signed a top-6 class every year since Smart has been in Athens including two top-ranked classes in 2018 and 2020.
Recruiting at an elite level, and then developing those players. That’s what makes Georgia the best of the best right now. They bring in elite players every year, and every year we see a few freshmen who find a way to make an impact in year one.
The Bulldogs signed the No. 3 class in last year’s 2022 recruiting cycle, and there are plenty of players from that class who have made an impact this fall.
Malaki Starks - Safety
The 5-star out of Jefferson (GA) was the No. 19 overall prospect in the 2022 class and it’s easy to see why. Starks has lived up to the hype this season, starting in 12 of the team’s first 13 games this season in year one. The playmaking safety became a house-hold name in his very first game, picking off Bo Nix in Georgia’s big week one victory over Oregon. He’s currently 2nd on the team with 63 total tackles. He’s also picked off two passes in coverage this year while breaking up seven more. A 2022 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award finalist, it’s clear Starks has a special career ahead of him in Athens.
Mykel Williams - DL
Another former 5-star prospect, Williams was ranked as the No. 2 prospect in Georgia and the No. 4 overall prospect in the country out of Hardaway (GA) last season. The impressive pass-rusher has plenty of length and has been a reliable defender off the edge as a freshman, making 21 tackles, 4 TFLs and 2.5 sacks so far this season. He’s played in a reserve role this season with just two starts, but when he’s on the field, he’s making an impact. The 6-foot-5 265-pounder leads the team with 27 QB hurries as well, showing why he’s one of the top young defenders in college football. Like Starks, look for Williams to have a 5-star career in Georgia when it’s all said and done.
Dillon Bell - WR
Over the last several seasons we’ve seen at least one freshman wide receiver step up and earn significant playing time in year one. This year, it’s former three-star, Dillon Bell. The Houston, Texas native might be young, but his high football IQ and ability to create separation have earned him plenty of playing time this season. Playing in all 13 games so far, Bell has caught 19 passes this season for 169 yards and three touchdowns. Look for him to see the field once again when the Buckeyes come to town.
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Branson Robinson - RB
He may not be the first or second back to see carries, but the former four-star has shown why he was one of the top running backs across the country in the 2022 class. He runs with power, balance, and knows how to break tackles and keep the chains moving. He follows his blocks well and shows good burst through the line of scrimmage for someone 5-foot-10 220-pounds. He’s played in 11 of 13 games so far with 288 yards on 61 carries. His best game of the season came against Auburn where he ran for 98 yards and one touchdown.
Daylen Everette - DB
Another 5-star defender, Everette has quickly impressed the coaches and has found his was flying up the depth chart at cornerback. A big defender with ball skills at 6-foot-1 190-pounds, Everette was the No. 28 overall prospect out of high school and has a chance to push for a starting role next year as a sophomore. He’s seen plenty of playing time with the second-team unit and on special teams, playing in 12 total games with 13 tackles.
Oscar Delp - TE
Assistant coach Todd Hartley recruited only one tight end in the 2022 class, and it was Oscar Delp. A pass-catching tight end with size and speed, Delp has also shown the ability to block on the edge when he’s seen the field this year. The former West Forsyth Wolverine has played in 11 games this season and has caught five passes for 61 yards. His biggest play came against South Carolina where he hauled in a 28-yard touchdown pass late in the game. Look for his role to increase in a big way next season.
Other freshmen to know....
LB Jalon Walker: 8 tackles and one TFL
DT Bear Alexander: 7 tackles, one TFL and one sack
OLB Marvin Jones Jr: 4 tackles, one TFL and one sack
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