Top Dawgs' Players to Watch Against Florida
Georgia-Florida week is unlike any other. It is the one time a year the Gators and Dawgs meet in Jacksonville, Florida, for the World’s Largest Cocktail Party, a game that is full of animosity, hatred, and history.
Georgia goes into Saturday with a lot of questions marks about the team that will take the field. The Dawgs are will just be one week removed on Saturday from the game against Kentucky, where multiple Bulldogs left with injuries. Key players like Jordan Davis, Julian Rochester, Quay Walker, Tyrique Stevenson, and Lewis Cine were hurt.
George Pickens and Kenny McIntosh did not make the trip to Lexington last week after injuries bothered them all week. Richard LeCounte would also pick up injuries in an off-field motorcycle accident that left him with a concussion and some bruised ribs.
With so many Bulldogs potentially being sidelined for one of the biggest games of the year. Who should we watch?
Zamir White
No player stood out more last weekend against Kentucky on offense than Zamir White. Zeus is fresh off a career performance with 136 yards and one touchdown on 26 carries.
White was efficient in the run game as he averaged 5.2 yards per carry. White is still in the process of overcoming two ACL injuries in the last two seasons, which is why his performance last week is even more impressive.
White’s combination of power and agility makes him one of Georgia’s most reliable running backs. Look for White to be a focus in the gameplan this weekend.
Kearis Jackson
With the status of George Pickens unknown, Georgia needs a receiver to step up. Kearis Jackson was the guy early on. But Jackson has seemingly faded out of the offense in the past two games.
Jackon’s route running makes him one of Stetson’s favorite targets. Jackson is used primarily out of the slot position, which provides many mismatches with inferior defenders. Finding a way to get the ball back to Jackson must be key.
With Pickens banged up in recent weeks, I look towards Kearis Jackson for a big game against a Gators secondary that isn’t at the level of Alabama’s.
Azeez Ojulari
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The current SEC leader in sacks, Azeez Ojulari, is no stranger to big games against Florida. Ojulari is turning himself into one of the best edge rushers in the nation. Since his debut in the 2018 Sugar Bowl, Azeez has racked up ten sacks.
Ojulari is a member of an impressive front seven, which is keen on wreaking havoc. The Dawgs have 17 sacks so far this season and are on pace to eclipse their total number of sacks a year ago.
Azeez is a vital member of the Georgia front seven and will be itching at the bit to get after Kyle Trask. Dan Lanning will scheme up a lot of pressure on Kyle Trask as the Gators possess a weaker offensive line.
Nakobe Dean
Dean’s role in this weekend’s game will be crucial for Georgia. With both Monty Rice and Quay Walker dealing with injuries in recent weeks, it makes Dean the most experienced healthy inside linebacker.
Dean quietly put up an impressive stat line last week against Kentucky with 14 tackles and one quarterback pressure. Dean’s athleticism and volume tackling cause excitement in the Georgia fanbase.
With two inside linebackers potentially out for Saturday, look for Nakobe Dean to take on an enhanced role. Dean will likely match up with Kyle Pitts in coverage as Pitts is the greatest weapon for the Gators offense. Dean’s athleticism and speed in coverage make him an intriguing matchup with Kyle Pitts.