Assume The Position: Previewing The Georgia Bulldog Wide Receivers

One might conclude that the embarrassment of riches Georgia currently possesses at the running back position might render the passing game a little less important.  There's no question that the emphasis in Year 1 of the Brian Schottenheimer Experience will focus heavily on the run game.  Having said that, the 2015 iteration of Georgia's offense still must stretch the field and pose a threat out of any formation or down and distance situation to continue the incredible successes we have enjoyed dating back to the Aaron Murray era.  Georgia has the talent, but depth and experience is a concern.  Some young guys are going to have to step up.

THE MAN

It all begins with Malcolm Mitchell.  The 5th year (via 2013 red shirt) Senior out of Valdosta and budding author is one of the conference's best when healthy.  He has also had more bad luck with injuries over the course of his career than any player in recent memory.  When Mitchell is "right," he demands the respect of any cornerback that might attempt to creep up and jam him off the line. He also demands that safeties do not lose sight of him because of his ability to stretch the field, opening things up for tight ends isolating a linebacker in coverage and the running game getting to the second level.

This will never, ever get old...

Could we see more back-should fades that was perfected between Mitchell & Murray?  The "QB to be named Later" will certainly take comfort in the fact that this timing play is a major part of the offensive repertoire.  MM26, simply put, can make all the catches.

From 2011:  Back-shoulder fade glory at about the :33 and 1:50 mark.  Timing is everything...

If Mitchell can remain healthy and regain the form we once again began to see late in the season, he might do better than a 3rd-Team All-SEC pick.  If healthy, our offense will benefit greatly no matter who is under center.  He is that important.  Mitchell's greatest assets are experience, athleticism, above average speed and route running.  Perhaps no one in the SEC has better hands than this guy. Stay healthy, my friend.

Malcolm Mitchell…best hands in college football. #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/T8N6DynPu0

— UGA Football Live (@UGAfootballLive) July 28, 2015

BREAKING OUT?

Reggie Davis (Junior, 6'0, 170) has a ton of speed.  He also has some inconsistencies in his game that should get ironed out as he heads into his junior season.  In 2014, he only accounted for 63 yards on 6 receptions.  This stat highlights Georgia's limited ability to stretch the field vertically last season and Reggie Davis is a vertical type of receiver.  His speed demands this.  The coaching staff praised Davis for a solid Spring camp.  This must translate to in-game success.  He's got the talent.  The time is now.

COMEBACK PLAYER?

2014 was a tough year for Justin Scott-Wesley (5-11, 211) in many ways.  Some off-field issues aside, his recovery from a significant knee injury sustained on the pock-marked, bomb-cratered cow-pasture they call a turf at Neyland Stadium in 2013 essentially insured a slow start for JSW in 2014.  Then, a strange injury to his hand provided a further set-back and his numbers just never factored much into the fortunes of the team (3 receptions, 52 yards and 1 TD).

Scott-Wesley can run the routes and has excellent speed.  He was really coming into form early in 2013, having played and excellent game against South Carolina and showing his ability to run after the catch.  The last significant contribution was from 2013 against LSU:

We need more of this in 2015...

In my mind, Justin Scott-Wesley is a real X-Factor going forward.  He recently had a minor meniscus repair on his injured knee from 2013, but Mark Richt feels, "Justin will be able to go" for August camp.  Here's hoping for a helluva comeback, #86.

ISAIAH McKENZIE - iMac - THE HUMAN JOYSTICK (There should be an app for this...)

I expect we'll see Isaiah McKenzie (Soph. 5' 8" {yeah, right....}, 165) line up just about anywhere:  Wide, Slot, backfield, (Wild Dawg?), punt returner and kick off.  Just get him the ball in space.  It doesn't have to be a big space, either.  McKenzie is absolutely must-see TV whenever he has the opportunity to touch the ball.

Seriously, though.  Was there a sweeter surprise in 2014 than this kid?  He's truly fun to watch in any capacity and according to his coaches has really begun to excel in catching the football.  McKenzie's small stature - a good thing - and his speed and quickness is a big-play waiting to happen every time he touches the rock.  Georgia has dedicated itself to making special teams a weapon and he's the pointy end of that spear.

100% Fun. 

GET READY FOR YOUR CLOSE UP

We really didn't get to see much of Shakenneth Williams (Soph., 6-1, 198) in 2014.  It was certainly going to be difficult enough for a true-freshman to get many reps, so his contribution was modest at best:  Three receptions for 61 yards.  However, we saw enough of this kid to see that he has good size and skills to compliment his ability to be physical after-the-catch.  Look for his role to increase throughout the season as his knowledge of the playbook and self-confidence increases.

ROOKIES AND DEPTH

Highly touted Terry Godwin (Freshman; 5-11, 175) was one of the more highly-prized recruits for 2015 out of Callaway (Hogansville, GA).  Rated as a 5-Star by 247 Sports.com, Godwin's skills will get him playing time early and often.  However, he's slight of frame at present and another year in the gym will certainly benefit him.  Like Isaiah McKenzie, he's one of those guys who can do wonders in space and has the quickness and athleticism to threaten defenses all over the field.  Is he going to be durable enough this season?  A legitimate question right there.

Another interesting true-freshman is Jayson Stanley (Creekside, Fairburn, GA).  At nearly 6-4, 210 lbs. he will arrive on campus as one of the larger kids at his position.  He's got very good top end speed and is going to present a match up problem against smaller corners.

Michael Chigbu (6-2, 212 - Holy Cross, New Orleans) is another larger and physical body at wide receiver who might not be quite as polished as Stanley and Godwin and could be a red shirt candidate.  His upside is tremendous and will only grow into his already substantial frame.

Tall and lanky, Shaquery Wilson (6-2, 190 - Coral Gables High, Florida) is another large receiver who was lured right out from under the Miami Hurricanes' own backyard just off of US 1 in Coral Gables.  Another possible red shirt candidate, a year in the weight room could do wonders for this kid who also had offers from Florida, Arkansas, Wisconsin and West Virginia...amongst others.

DON'T FORGET THESE NAMES

Kenneth Towns (Senior, 6-3, 204) has been in the system for 4 season now and has 8 career receptions and 2 touchdowns for 64 yards.

Perhaps the most enigmatic receiver on the roster is Charlie Hegedus (Junior, 6-2, 202) is an N.C. State transfer who has not been able to shake a seemingly chronic hamstring injury.  He has good speed and hands, but was unable to contribute in 2014.  Many analysts feel he was under-offered coming out of Lassiter High where he played with former Georgia QB Hutson Mason.  According to Rusty Mansell of Dawgs247, "This kid can play on the SEC level and be a starter. I have seen him against the best and he can play."  The question is:  Can he get healthy?

Georgia has some very good experience who all come in with the caveat "can they stay healthy."  Because of this uncertainty, look for Brian Schottenheimer to try and get some of the new faces as many reps in the first few weeks of the season as possible before the grind and weight of the SEC schedule really kicks in.

Go Dawgs!