College Football Top 25: Spring practice 2016 edition

8 of 26

Nov 21, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel (1) reacts after running for the game winning touchdown against the Georgia Southern Eagles during overtime at Sanford Stadium. Georgie defeated Georgia Southern 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

What an interesting season it was for the Georgia Bulldogs. They finished 10-3 even after losing star running back Nick Chubb and Mark Richt still resigned as head coach. It was a successful season considering the devastating injury and lack of an elite arm under center, but the long-time head coach parted ways with the program and he’s now at Miami, his alma mater.

Even with a departing head coach, the recruiting class didn’t lose any of its luster, ranking ninth in the nation on Scout.com. Usually when a head coach leaves a program, recruits jump off board in droves, but not this time.

Five-star quarterback Jacob Eason will look to take over starting duties and turn this offense around. Georgia also snagged two more five-star recruits in tight end Isaac Nauta and athlete Mecole Hardman Jr. New head coach Kirby Smart has a ton of incoming, and existing, talent to work with — including 11 top-200 Scout prospects.

Greyson Lambert may be back for a senior season, but it will be up to Smart who to choose to lead his team. Going fresh with Eason wouldn’t be the worst option as Lambert was more of a game-manager last season.

Chubb will be healthy and that could provide Georgia will the best running back duo in college football. He rushed for 747 yards and seven touchdowns in just over five games last season while Sony Michel filled in nicely, finishing with 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns.

Malcolm Mitchell, the team’s leading receiver, is graduating, but watch out for Terry Godwin as the freshman showed flashes and could break out in 2016.

Next: 18. Oregon Ducks

Home/College Football