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Before the season gets underway, Georgia coaches are out to determine which players will have an impact in 2016. There figures to be a good mix of experience and youth for the Bulldogs in Kirby Smart’s first season, and fall practice will be crucial in figuring out what that blend will look like.
Whether they are returning starters, talented freshmen or important transfers, each player has something to prove. Some have more to gain than others, however, and are worth monitoring closely.
For clarification purposes, it’s important to mention that these aren’t players who need to prove something or risk losing playing time. Rather, it’s a list of players who can step up and prove their value to the new coaching staff.
Here are the five Georgia players with the most to prove in preseason.
Jacob Eason, QB
This is an easy one. The 5-star prospect has been the talk of the fan base since he committed to the Bulldogs in 2014. A strong showing in front of 93,000 people at the spring game only increased the hype surrounding Eason. Many hope to see the freshman quarterback start or receive significant playing time in the opener against North Carolina, but that will depend on his performance in practice.
Navigating an SEC schedule is a daunting task for even an experienced quarterback, and it could be disastrous if Georgia throws him out there before he is ready. Eason must prove to the coaching staff that he has a strong knowledge of the playbook and look comfortable commanding the offense. This isn’t veteran quarterback Greyson Lambert’s job to lose, it is Eason’s job to win. He has already proven that he is the most talented quarterback on the roster, but Eason needs to earn the confidence of Smart and offensive coordinator Jim Chaney.
Tyler Catalina, OL
While Georgia’s quarterback competition will draw the most attention, the battle to determine the starting offensive line might be the most important. Senior transfer Tyler Catalina has a chance to make a big impact in his first and only year in Athens. If he steps up and wins a job at either tackle spot, it could have positive ramifications for the unit.
Catalina, a former team captain at Rhode Island, can prove he’s capable of making the transition to the SEC and provide stability at tackle. If the 6-foot-6, 325-pound senior can lock down a starting spot early, it would allow the other linemen to play their natural positions. Should Catalina struggle, however, there may be more fluctuation on the line than the coaching staff would like.
Isaac Nauta, TE
Another 5-star recruit, and Eason’s good friend, Nauta could end up as one of the best tight ends at a school that has had no lack of talent at the position. It’s not often that a tight end prospect earns a 5-star rating, which speaks to Nauta’s ability. It’s not likely that he will supplant junior Jeb Blazevich as the starter, but he can earn a role.
The Bulldogs are deep at tight end, and offensive coordinator Jim Chaney has proven he is capable of use the position. Nauta and Eason are comfortable with each other, which should become apparent on the field. With the wide receiver position in flux, Georgia could seek to use its depth at tight end. Before that can happen, however, Nauta needs to earn his snaps.
Trenton Thompson, DT
The nation’s top prospect in 2015, big things are expected of Thompson as he enters his sophomore season. As a freshman, Thompson registered 25 tackles and 2.5 tackles for a loss; he wasn’t the monster many had hoped he would be, but he did improve as the season wore on. Smart wants big bodies on defense and is sure to make it a priority to help Thompson reach his immense potential.
Thompson is a likely starter, but it would be a good sign if he were to make a strong impression early in practice. The front line isn’t as strong as it has been in recent years, but Thompson has the ability to emerge as the unit’s star. The talent is there, but seeing it manifest on the practice field would breed optimism heading into the season.
Mecole Hardman, DB
Another talented freshman at Smart’s disposal, Hardman brings the type of dynamic versatility not seen at Georgia since Brandon Boykin. The nation’s No. 1 athlete, Hardman has the versatility to make an impact in every facet. The staff plans to use him primarily on defense, but Hardman has expressed a desire to take snaps on offense as well.
The Bulldogs have a veteran secondary, meaning Hardman will need to prove he’s deserving of a role at cornerback, but there’s no denying he’s a talented playmaker. His goal this fall is to show coaches he can be a difference-maker at several positions. He will be given the opportunities, but it’s up to Hardman to take advantage.
William McFadden covers the University of Georgia for Saturday Down South. For news on everything happening between the hedges, follow him on Twitter @willmcfadden.
