The Georgia Bulldogs are right on the precipice of being among the elite programs in college football. They have won the SEC East in each of the past three seasons. This run includes winning the conference title and a College Football Playoff berth in 2017. Despite all the recent success both on the field and in recruiting, Kirby Smart’s team has not been able to take that final step. To do that, they need to take a cue from conference rivals LSU and Alabama. Each of those programs made the decision to become more dynamic in their offensive approach and have been rewarded with National Championships. There are a few names that could emerge as the Bulldogs breakout players in 2020 if the offense adopts a more aggressive mindset.
Georgia Bulldogs Breakout Players for 2020
Georgia’s defense was among the best in the nation in 2019. They have loaded up on talent on both sides of the ball with the past few recruiting classes. In order to take the final step and be the last team standing, they need the offense to become more explosive. Stout defense and a dominant running game can get a lot of wins. However, to compete against the very best, the offense has to do more. With all the talent brought in recently, there is no shortage of kids with the potential to be among the Bulldogs breakout players next season.
Catching On
The 2019 campaign was mismatched from the beginning for the Georgia offense. They had Jake Fromm returning for his third year as the starter at quarterback, but the receiving corps was almost completely new to campus. This year they have most of their pass catchers returning, but a new signal-caller will be taking over. Whoever gets the start under center will have the luxury of throwing the ball to George Pickens. After a solid freshman year, the former five-star should take a big step forward as a sophomore.
A lot of times, teams will try to use a good bowl performance as a springboard into the next season. After hauling in 12 catches for 175 yards against Baylor in the Sugar Bowl, Pickens will look to do the same on an individual level. The 6’3” wide-out finished his first year in Athens with over 700 yards and eight touchdowns. Now with a year under his belt, he can become more of a focal point of the offense. He has the size, hands, and skill set to be a number one receiver. The Bulldogs just need to get him the ball.
Stepping In
For the past 30 years, there is one thing college football fans can count on as almost automatic. Georgia will always have multiple highly skilled options in the backfield. The top two rushers from last 2019 are gone, but the talent level at tailback is as strong as ever. It’s no surprise that one of the Bulldogs breakout players for next season will be from that position. Sophomore Zamir White will aim to be the main guy toting the rock next fall. He was in the rotation in 2019, showing flashes of what he can do. He has had a long road to get back on the football field, with two ACL tears in back to back years. Last season he finally got to contribute and was able to make his mark even as the third tailback in the rotation.
White was the number one running back in the country as a high school senior, and he has all the skills to be an elite performer in the SEC. Much like the aforementioned Pickens, he had his best game in the Sugar Bowl. For only the second time all season, he had double-digit carries, and he made the most of the opportunity. The Laurinburg, NC native rushed for 92 yards and a score in the victory. His combination of size, power, and speed make him a handful for defenses to deal with as a ball carrier, but he still has room to grow. White had just three catches as a freshman. He needs to show he can be a more versatile offensive weapon in the pass game. He will compete with another former five-star in James Cook for carries. Both should see plenty of opportunities.
Explosive
The need to be more explosive and dynamic on offense should mean that Georgia will look to get the ball in the hands of Demetris Robertson more often. The transfer from California was the team’s third-leading receiver a year ago. He is an exceptional athlete, with the speed to break a big play every time he touches the ball. Robertson had just six carries last season, but those numbers should go up. His breakaway speed makes him dangerous on screens, jet sweeps, or when testing the defense deep downfield. He has the ability to become the dynamic weapon this offense has been missing. Now it is up to him to become more consistent with his techniques and fundamentals at the receiver position.
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