5 Best Georgia NFL Players
Georgia has grown into a defensive powerhouse, but the program has always produced stars on both sides of the ball. Here are five Bulldogs ranked on what they did between the hedges.
1. Herschel Walker
Running Back · 1980 to 1982
Walker is one of the best college players ever, full stop. He ran for 5,259 yards in three seasons, won the 1982 Heisman, and led Georgia to a national title as a true freshman. He had sprinter speed at 220 pounds and simply ran through arm tackles.
2. Champ Bailey
Cornerback · 1996 to 1998
Bailey played corner, receiver, and returns, sometimes on the same drive. In 1998 he was on the field for over 1,000 snaps and won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. He covered the best receiver on every team and still caught 47 passes of his own.
3. David Pollack
Defensive End · 2001 to 2004
Pollack was a three time All American who finished with 36 career sacks. His strip sack in the end zone against South Carolina is one of the strangest and best plays in school history. He played every snap like the game hung on it.
4. Nick Chubb
Running Back · 2014 to 2017
Chubb ran for 4,769 yards and left as one of the most respected backs in SEC history. He also came back from a severe knee injury and looked just as strong. Low center of gravity, quiet personality, and one cut power that wore defenses down.
5. Roquan Smith
Linebacker · 2015 to 2017
Smith won the Butkus Award in 2017 with 137 tackles and was the brain of a defense that reached the national title game. He diagnosed plays before they developed and closed on ball carriers in a hurry.
Close Calls in Athens
Todd Gurley, Matthew Stafford, Jake Scott, Terrell Davis, and Brock Bowers all belong in the conversation. Bowers may climb this list as time passes. The names above got the nod for award seasons and long term production.
A Defense First Identity
Georgia has built its recent run on front seven talent, and that shows up in the draft every April. Linebackers and linemen who come out of Athens tend to be technically clean. They know their assignment and rarely take themselves out of a play.
Test Yourself on Georgia Players
Reading about them is one thing. Naming them on sight is another. CollegeGuessr shows you an NFL player and asks which college he came from. Build a streak, post your score on the Big Board, and see how your football knowledge holds up.