Editor’s note: This post has been edited to reflect that 2017 signees Jaden Hunter and Matt Landers both played in the second half of the 49-7 victory. 

This will be a planned Sunday feature where DawgNation can show the path between the nation’s top-rated recruiting class for 2018 onto the playing field. The way-too-easy prediction here is that Saturday’s game will not be an aberration in Southeastern Conference play.

Potential + Preparation = Playing Time

It seems like James Cook gives us a unique view of his running style every week. He’s one of 12 true freshmen who has played in every game so far. (Jeff Sentell/DawgNation)/Dawgnation)

How many freshmen played (true or redshirt): 23

Justin Fields came into the game when: The reserve quarterback made his earliest appearance of the season when he came into the game on the fourth series for the Bulldogs. Georgia led 14-0 when he entered the game with 2:31 left in the first quarter.

Yeah, but what about when: While it was his earliest appearance of the season (on the game clock) it is worth noting that Fields also entered the game on the fourth series of the season opener. That just came with 11:39 left to play in the first half of the Austin Peay game.

Fields stat line: Georgia’s backup QB finished 6 of 8 through the air for 71 yards with the second touchdown throw of this career. He also totaled 31 yards on three carries, including a 15-yard romp for his first (of many) college rushing touchdowns.

Who started (true freshmen): P Jake Camarda; CB Tyson Campbell, OT Cade Mays

The 19 who played (true freshmen): Camarda + Campbell + Mays and:

Who played (redshirt freshmen column):

Position breakdown for true freshmen who saw action against Middle Tennessee:

The true freshmen from the 2018 class who have played in every game:

PICTURE THIS, PART I

True freshman CB Tyson Campbell has started in all three games for the Bulldogs. (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)/Dawgnation)

True freshmen players who did not play: WR Tommy Bush; OL Owen Condon; OL Warren Ericson; RB Zamir White (out for the season); DB Divaad Wilson (likely out for at least 4-6 more weeks.)

2017 signees who did not play: R-Fr. DB Tray Bishop; R-Fr.DB Latavious Brini; redshirt junior OT D’Marcus Hayes; R-Fr.

Top 4 Freshmen flashes:

1. That would be Fields. He saw his earliest entry into the game, the biggest stretch of playing time so far and delivered a pass to a wide-open Jayson Stanley that was described by many as a “dart” because of the arm talent on that ball. It capped a 10-play, 90-yard drive for the only Bulldog score of the second half.

2. Azeez Ojulari, the freshman All-American LB from Marietta, came away with his first career tackle in the contest. He brought down Landon Board for a one-yard loss on third down in what was the final Blue Raider snap from scrimmage. He’s making his way back from a knee injury that ended his senior season in late November of 2017.

3. Freshman DT Jordan Davis made the tackle on three of the first four plays of the fourth quarter. With steady week-to-week improvement, he can one day be quite a force for the Bulldogs in the middle.

4. Cook’s name can go into this column every week. He spits out explosive plays like the cash flows forth from a casino ATM. While he only had five carries for four yards, he did provide a pair of nice gains (13 and 24 yards) in the passing game. His first step is just so very quick.

Freshman stat you might have missed: True freshman DB Otis Reese had four tackles in the game, including during three of four snaps during the final defensive series. He finished tied for third on the team with his four tackles. That’s a nice rebound from making the travel roster for South Carolina, but failing to see action.

The freshmen “going to see that on film” moments: Those would go to Cade Mays. It is quite a feat for a true freshman to start at LT on a top 5 team in the SEC, but he had a holding penalty which wiped out an early 24-yard Elijah Holyfield gain. We also saw what appeared to be a lapse in protection on his side with Solomon Kindley that brought a lot of heat on QB Jake Fromm. It resulted in a fumble which was recovered by Ben Cleveland on the play.

The amount of freshmen defenders making plays in the fourth quarter:  Georgia saw eight of its true freshmen defensive players record a tackle in the second half.

Freshmen of distinction: Fields (offense); Campbell, Davis, Reese and Smith (defense); Camarda (special teams)

PICTURE THIS, PART II

Cade Mays made his first college start on Saturday against Middle Tennessee. (Jeff Sentell/DawgNation)/Dawgnation)

THEY SAID IT about a freshman: “He did very well. Of course, he had his first start. The first start comes with jitters. I told him he had to get the jitters out. I told him ‘Just keep playing and you are going to be good.’ I have the most faith in all of my O-linemen no matter who comes into the game. So I told him to keep playing and he is going to be good throughout this game.” — Senior center Lamont Gaillard on freshman OL Cade Mays.