Names You Need to Know for 2016

This is one of my favorite blogs to write each year. Each year Georgia will sign around 24 players in February, and each August, I try to narrow down that long list of unknown names to a handful of players that I think will contribute during the upcoming season.

Last year, I told you about Mr. Thompson, who would have been an all SEC defensive linemen if he hadn’t gotten hurt in the middle of the season, and Terry Godwin, who quickly became Georgia’s number two receiver last season. Godwin’s versatility even saw him taking snaps in the “Wild Dawg” formation later in the season when it was obvious that Georgia’s quarterbacks were more of a liability than a weapon.

In years past, I gave you names like Nick Chubb and Lorenzo Carter. I’m not always right about the guys who could have a big impact, but there is rarely a player that does make an impact that I didn’t profile, so start committing these names to memory, and you can impress your friends this fall.

This year’s edition of the Names You Need to Know is a little different. First, there are a few more names than in years past. The signing class that Georgia brought in, combined with the fact that there are major depth concerns at some positions, means that more young players will not only play, but be asked to contribute in 2016. The second reason is because the number one name you need to know in 2016 is a name you already know, so there is no reason in me taking an extended look at Jacob Eason. There will be plenty of time to talk about Eason and the QB battle throughout fall camp.

So, with that said, here are the names you need to know for 2016: (Player #)

Julian Rochester (#5): Five-star defensive linemen Julian Rochester could be one of the most important players for Georgia in 2016. Coach Smart has repeatedly talked about the importance of being better and bigger on the defensive line, and at 6-5, 327lbs, Rochester teamed with Mr. Thompson could make Georgia’s defense one of the best in the conference, if not the country.

Isaac Nauta (#18): Nauta was ranked as the number one tight-end prospect in the entire country. He committed to the Dawgs during the Under Armor All America game back in January. Nauta formed a bond with Jacob Eason and committed to Georgia primarily because of that bond. Nauta is 6-4, 247 lbs and should see a good deal of playing time behind starting tight-end, Jeb Blazevich. New offensive coordinator Jim Cheney loves to use tight-ends in his offense.

Riley Ridley (#8): Four-star wide receiver from Coconut Creek, Florida, Cavin Riley Ridley goes by Riley so you don’t get him confused with his brother, Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley. Riley was an early enrollee, and looked to have breakaway speed during the spring game. At 6-2, 195 lbs, Ridley will be in the running to become Georgia’s number two threat at the receiver position behind Terry Godwin.

Charlie Woerner(#89): Woerner is a four-star prospect from Rabun County. Unlike everyone else on this list, Woerner did not participate in any of the dog and pony shows that most recruits use to boost their player ranking. Instead, Woerner committed early to the Dawgs, enjoyed his senior year of high school, and caught 15 touchdowns while running for another during his senior season. Woerner will be a fan favorite, because he is a legacy. Charlie is the nephew of Georgia great, Scott Woerner, who was a captain of the 1980 National Championship team.

Ben Cleveland (#74): Please take one minute to Google a picture of Ben Cleveland. Look for the picture of Cleveland in a “Commit to the G” white shirt and a camo hat. That picture, tells you everything you need to know about Cleveland. He is nicknamed The Mountain after a Game of Thrones character. Cleveland is 6-6, 345 lbs of man from Toccoa, Georgia. Like Nauta, his friendship with Jacob Eason was one of the biggest factors in Cleveland committing to Georgia.

Elijah Holyfield (#13): Georgia fans hope that Elijah is a real deal chip off the old block. Elijah is the son of former boxing champion Evander Holyfield.  Elijah was a four-star running back recruit. The depth chart at running back for Georgia is full of question marks, so there is a chance that Holyfield could get some touches early in the season. Once Sony Michel is full strength the best Holyfield can hope for is third string, but Georgia has historically used multiple backs, so there is no reason to think that Holyfield can’t make an impact as a freshman.

Javon Wims (#6): A four-star junior college transfer, Wims will be looking to emerge as a redzone target for whoever the quarterback may be. At 6-4, 220 lbs, Wims offers a different threat than some of Georgia’s other receivers.

Tyler Catalina (#72): Catalina could very well be the most important new player Georgia has this fall. At 6-6 and 325 lbs, Catalina is a graduate transfer from the University of Rhode Island, where he was a captain and starter of all 11 games at left tackle. Georgia’s offensive line has some huge questions, and if Catalina can come in and solidify an offensive line position it will go a long way towards Georgia having a great season.

Mecole Hardmen (#4): The consensus number two player in the state of Georgia, five-star prospect Mecole Hardmen is listed as an “Athlete”. Most likely, Hardmen will be playing defensive back for Georgia, but he will absolutely be featured on the offensive side of the ball at times. At 5-11, Hardmen’s height dictates that he play cornerback, but his ball skills are fantastic, and he is, without a doubt, a superior athlete. Appropriately, Mecole will be wearing #4, also worn by UGA Great, Champ Bailey, who played both ways for Georgia in the late '90s. 

With the new coaching staff comes a new system both offensively and defensively, which will mean that returning players won’t have the advantage they would typically have over incoming players. Kirby Smart has been adamant that Georgia must improve their depth if they are going to be contenders. For Georgia to have a successful season, some of these new players are going to  have to step up and make an immediate impact.

Here’s to hoping they can do just that.

Go Dawgs.