Stepping out of the Shadows: UGA Redshirt Freshmen

Over the coming days and weeks, we're going to look at Georgia Bulldog players who are the most likely to take a huge step out of the shadows into prime time roles on the team.

(Image: Moreno from NJ.com. Hint...he's not #1 on the list)

Let's say a player was a starter for a year or two, but he really hasn't made an impact yet. That kid can still step out of the shadows to make a name for himself. We're going to break the posts down by class starting with redshirt freshmen and then moving up the class rankings.

Stepping Out of the Shadows: Redshirt Freshmen:

1. Chris Davis (OG) - I know...you're reading this and expecting me to list Moreno #1, but let's be realistic for a minute. Despite all the hype, Moreno isn't likely to start any time soon, and he's certainly not going to play 80%+ of the snaps. Chris Davis (6'4" and 292 lbs) on the other hand, will get more air time this fall than the NBC Peacock. The converted tight end is described as having tight end feet and natural quickness to present a great weapon for us when pulling. The question: He's not old man strong yet. How will he hold up against the SEC's big nastys?

2. Reshad Jones (DB) - With Paul Oliver's academic dismal, there is a hole in the UGA defensive backfield. According to UGASports.com, Reshad Jones will push CJ Byrd and Kelin Johnson for playing time at safety and Asher Allen for a starting spot at CB. The #1 ranked safety in the country (per Rivals.com) from the 2006 recruiting class has enormous upside, and his performance at G-day did little to damper excitement. Georgia has lacked a safety with his size (6'2" and 194 lbs), speed and ball hawking skills since Sean Jones left in 2003. Will he put it all together and at what position?

3. Knowshon Moreno - The coaches couldn't stop gushing about Moreno during this year's spring practice. The defense was described as being almost unable to stop him at times. Yeah...well...they said the same thing about Thomas Brown last spring, and our defense was the only defense that struggled to stop him. Plus, Georgia plays YMCA ball at times with our RB rotation. Everyone gets some touches, but no one seems to get a full lather. In other words, Moreno could over take the senior RBs and become our first 1,000 yard rusher since Musa Smith, but I'll believe it when I see it.

There are other players who will be leaving the pine, but they likely won't be stepping out of the shadows yet. They include

-- Darryl Gamble (LB)
-- Akeem Dent (LB)
-- Kiante Trip (DE)
-- Demarcus Dobbs (DE)
-- Michael Lemon (DE)
-- Brandon Wood (DL)
-- Ricardo Crawford (DT)

We're desperate for depth at LB and DL so several of those guys will get the chance to play big minutes this year. I just don't think we'll see them step into the big spotlight.

I heard great things about Na Derris Ward (TE) prior to his arrival in Athens. Unforunately, he's been hurt so much that I'm not sure 2007 will be his break out year.

What are your thoughts on the 2007 redshirt freshmen?

See Also:
-- 2007 Depth Chart -- Georgiadogs.com
-- 2006 Commitment List - Scout.com

PWD

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