Georgia Rises to No. 19 in ESPN's 2016 Way-Too-Early Top 25 After Signing Day

The Georgia Bulldogs had a great National Signing Day, bringing in the nation's seventh-ranked class.

ESPN's Mark Schlabach (a UGA grad) agrees, giving the 'Dawgs a bump in his way-too-early top 25 for 2016 after NSD.

Here's what he had to say about UGA in a top 25 that was released after the national championship game, when he had them 23rd:

Outlook: After spending the past 10 seasons on Nick Saban's staff, Kirby Smart gets his first chance as a head coach, replacing Mark Richt at his alma mater. The Bulldogs will have to replace three starting offensive linemen, a task that will be easier if star tailback Nick Chubb successfully recovers from a knee injury. The other big question on offense: Can incoming freshman Jacob Eason or junior Brice Ramsey unseat Greyson Lambert at quarterback? The front seven on defense will get a complete makeover, with three linebackers and two key linemen moving on. Georgia's schedule isn't especially taxing with only four true road games, including an early trip to Ole Miss.

And here's what he had to say after NSD, along with a four-spot bump in the rankings:

Outlook: After only seven weeks on the job, new Georgia coach Kirby Smart was able to secure a top-10 recruiting class. Three highly regarded prospects -- No. 1 tight end Isaac Nauta, No. 1 pocket passer Jacob Eason and No. 8 defensive tackle Julian Rochester -- have already enrolled in school. Eason will battle rising senior Greyson Lambert and junior Brice Ramsey for the starting job this spring. The Bulldogs also signed juco receiver Javon Wims, who might play early. The Bulldogs are anxiously waiting to see if junior tailback Nick Chubb fully recovers from a knee injury.

It doesn't mean much until the players take the field, but the Kirby Smart era is off to a good start.