ATHENS — Just about everyone knew that Malaki Starks and Tate Ratledge were going to be big-time pieces for the Bulldogs this fall. They were established, multi-year starters with All-American seasons under their belts. It’s no surprise the two had All-American seasons this year.
But every year, some players exceed, or fall short of, expectations. That was the case once again for a handful of Georgia players in 2024.
The DawgNation team had a number of options to pick from, with only one Bulldog getting picked by multiple team members.
Which Bulldog has been the biggest surprise this season?
Brandon Adams: Chaz Chambliss
Why: Chambliss has always been a capable contributor for Georgia, but the knock on him, if there is one, is that he has less athletic upside than some of the other former elite recruits with whom he shares a position group. Chambliss’ play this season has rebuked that analysis. He’s tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks while also adding 9.5 tackles for loss.
Mike Griffith: K.J. Bolden
Why: The 5-star freshman has made impact plays while grading out ahead of All-American Malaki Starks at times and being the soundest open-field tackler in the secondary.
Kaylee Mansell: Chaz Chambliss
Why: Remember last year when UGA fans were not happy with Chambliss coming back? Well, I bet those people sure are regretting it now. Chaz went on to have 6.5 sacks on the year which tied for the most on the team and was a consistent force on a defense that could not stay healthy.
Connor Riley: Dan Jackson
Why: Everyone was ready to bench Jackson for KJ Bolden, given the former’s walk-on status and the latter being a 5-star freshman. Yet Jackson has been perhaps Georgia’s most consistent defender this season on a week-by-week basis. Georgia has a long line of overachieving safeties and Jackson very much fits that archetype.
Jeff Sentell: Oscar Delp on both sides of it.
Why: Delp’s junior year started out flat. Especially with needing to replace the production from all-time great Brock Bowers. Delp had five catches for 53 yards in his first six games. That was unexpected given his numbers were two times that last year. Once November rolled around, he got hot. He’s had 14 catches for 177 yards and all four of his touchdowns since the first Texas game.
