In the heart of the SEC, where football is more than a sport—it’s a way of life—the 2017 Georgia Bulldogs roster emerged as a testament to resilience, talent, and the dawn of a new era under head coach Kirby Smart. Coming off a 2016 season that ended with an 8-5 record, the Bulldogs were poised for a breakthrough. The 2017 campaign would prove to be a turning point, culminating in an SEC Championship and a historic run to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Let’s take a closer look at the players and positions that made this team unforgettable.
Offense: A Blend of Youth and Experience
The 2017 Georgia offense was a dynamic unit that balanced the explosive potential of young stars with the reliability of seasoned veterans.
Quarterbacks
- Jake Fromm (Freshman): Thrust into the starting role after an injury to Jacob Eason in the season opener, Fromm became the steady hand the offense needed. His poise and accuracy (62.2% completion rate, 24 TDs, 7 INTs) were pivotal in Georgia’s success.
- Jacob Eason (Sophomore): The incumbent starter, Eason’s season was cut short by injury, but his talent remained undeniable.
Running Backs
- Nick Chubb (Senior): A fan favorite and future NFL star, Chubb rushed for 1,345 yards and 15 TDs, capping off a storied college career.
- Sony Michel (Senior): Michel’s versatility (1,227 rushing yards, 9 TDs) and big-play ability made him a dual threat alongside Chubb.
- D’Andre Swift (Freshman): Swift’s emergence as a dynamic playmaker (813 all-purpose yards) hinted at his future stardom.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
- Javon Wims (Senior): Wims led the team with 45 receptions for 720 yards and 7 TDs, becoming Fromm’s go-to target.
- Terry Godwin (Junior): A speedy slot receiver, Godwin added 38 catches for 639 yards and 6 TDs.
- Isaac Nauta (Sophomore): A reliable tight end, Nauta contributed 29 catches for 361 yards and 3 TDs.
Offensive Line
Anchored by Isaiah Wynn (Senior) and Lamont Gaillard (Junior), the offensive line paved the way for Georgia’s dominant ground game and protected Fromm effectively.
Defense: The Backbone of the Bulldogs
If the offense was the engine, the defense was the steel frame. Coordinated by Mel Tucker, the 2017 Georgia defense was one of the nation’s best, allowing just 13.2 points per game (3rd nationally).
Defensive Line
- Trent Thompson (Junior): A force in the middle, Thompson’s presence was felt in both run-stopping and pass rush.
- John Atkins (Senior): A stalwart nose tackle, Atkins anchored the line with his strength and experience.
Linebackers
- Roquan Smith (Junior): The heart and soul of the defense, Smith earned the Butkus Award and unanimous All-American honors with 137 tackles and 6.5 TFLs.
- Lorenzo Carter (Senior): A versatile edge rusher, Carter contributed 47 tackles and 5 sacks.
- Davin Bellamy (Senior): Bellamy’s leadership and 5 sacks were crucial to the unit’s success.
Secondary
- Deandre Baker (Junior): A lockdown corner, Baker began to show the form that would make him a future NFL first-round pick.
- J.R. Reed (Junior): A hard-hitting safety, Reed led the team with 4 interceptions.
- Dominick Sanders (Senior): Sanders’ experience and ball skills (3 INTs) solidified the secondary.
Special Teams: Unsung Heroes
Special teams often go unnoticed, but Georgia’s unit played a critical role in field position and momentum shifts.
- Rodrigo Blankenship (Sophomore): “Hot Rod” was reliable, making 20 of 23 field goals and all 61 PATs.
- Cameron Nizialek (Senior): Nizialek averaged 45.0 yards per punt, consistently pinning opponents deep in their own territory.
- Mecole Hardman (Sophomore): A game-breaker on returns, Hardman averaged 24.3 yards per kickoff return and took one to the house against Tennessee.
The Season in Review
The 2017 season began with questions but ended with exclamation points. After losing to Auburn in the regular season, Georgia rebounded to defeat the Tigers in the SEC Championship Game, securing their first conference title since 2005. The Bulldogs then advanced to the Rose Bowl, where they stunned Oklahoma in double overtime before falling just short in the National Championship Game against Alabama.
Legacy of the 2017 Team
The 2017 Georgia Bulldogs didn’t just win games—they rekindled a fanbase’s passion and set the stage for future success. Kirby Smart’s second season proved he was the right man to lead the program, and players like Fromm, Smith, and Chubb became household names. This team’s legacy is etched in Georgia football lore, a reminder of what’s possible when talent, coaching, and determination align.
Who was the starting quarterback for Georgia in 2017?
+Jake Fromm took over as the starting quarterback after Jacob Eason was injured in the season opener. Fromm started 14 of 15 games, leading Georgia to the National Championship Game.
How many rushing yards did Nick Chubb and Sony Michel combine for in 2017?
+Nick Chubb and Sony Michel combined for 2,572 rushing yards in 2017, becoming one of the most prolific RB duos in college football history.
Who won the Butkus Award in 2017?
+Roquan Smith won the Butkus Award, given annually to the nation’s top linebacker, after a standout junior season.
What was Georgia’s record in 2017?
+Georgia finished the 2017 season with a 13-2 record, winning the SEC Championship and advancing to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
The 2017 Georgia Bulldogs weren’t just a team—they were a movement. From the freshman phenom under center to the senior leaders in the backfield, from the Butkus Award winner to the unsung heroes on special teams, every player contributed to a season that will forever be remembered in Athens.
