SEC East Football: Which 2014 recruits could impact UGA this fall?

With signing day in the books, teams are now beginning to evaluate their talent especially as spring and summer practices are just around the corner.

For the Georgia Bulldogs, they will certainly be on that page as head coach Mark Richt and his staff pulled in one of the most solid 2014 classes in the nation. With 21 signees total, the Bulldogs certainly have no concerns, as their class is definitely full of quality players. With so much talent already at their disposal, some of their incoming freshmen will most certainly have to wait their turn, but there are several that could easily find playing time this fall. With that being said, anything can change, but looking at strengths and weaknesses combined here is a look at which signees you might see as Georgia’s 2014 season takes off this fall.

Lorenzo Carter:

Athletically, Carter is solid and at 6’5” and 232 pounds, he already comes in with the strength to become a key player on defense. With poor defensive consistency weighing on Georgia, especially after last season, they do not have to worry about that with Carter. Known as one of the best pass-rushers in the nation at the high school level, he can also tackle as he managed 268 in his final two seasons at Norcross High School. In his senior season alone, he managed 132 of those with 40 for loss.

With his abilities, Carter is already playing well above his level (he was ranked 36th nationally and top prospect in Georgia) and should transition easily into the Georgia defense and the type of scheme that new defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt wants to run. He claimed that part of his decision was based on Pruitt coming to UGA. To put it bluntly, Carter is a player that the Bulldogs need immediately. Luckily for them, Carter is ready to play and there is certainly room for his talent. Look for him to become a difference maker from day one.

Sony Michel:

As a senior, Michel earned 213 carries for 1,383-yards and 26 touchdowns. The numbers do not lie, but what is it that sets Michel apart from other running backs in his class? Quite simply, it all comes down to his versatility. Not only is Michel very threatening as a running back, but he is also just as capable as a wide receiver. Why is this important? Because with Keith Marshall and Todd Gurley already set to cover the running back positions if they remain healthy, Michel can be set as a dual threat and used as a wide receiver immediately if needed…and he can also return kicks. However, if Marshall is not quite ready to return early for the start of Georgia’s season, look for Michel to get the nod.

Already considered an “elite” player in his position, Michel is certainly ready. With his ability to power through tackles and speed to push runs outside the perimeter, look for Michel to become a name that Georgia fans hear early and often.

Nick Chubb:

The Bulldogs did not have to go far to find this “home-grown” talent and looking back over Chubb’s senior season at Cedartown High School, he is ready to play. Although Chubb will be joining an already crowded backfield, he has every potential to gain snaps this fall. Much like Michel, Chubb also has the ability to push for those tough yards and his balance is amazing. However, the difference with Chubb is that he can not just run around tackles, he can run through them. With 276 carries for 2,690-yards and 41 touchdowns according to MaxPreps, he definitely has the capability to become a game changer at the next level. He also averages 9.75-yards per carry.

At 5’11” and 216 pounds, Chubb’s physicality has already been compared to future teammate Todd Gurley. His speed can be deceptive and his athleticism will definitely work in his favor and make the transition from high school to college an easy one.

Jeb Blazevich:

Since Georgia has become known as “tight-end university”, Blazevich will most likely settle into that role quickly and well. At 6’4” and 225 pounds, Blazevich had 32 receptions for 441 yards and five touchdowns in just his senior season. Although it is assumed that Jay Rome will fill the void left by Arthur Lynch, Blazevich just might give him a “run for his money”. With size in his favor, Blazevich has the potential to offer just as much or more in that position as his predecessor Arthur Lynch and already seems to boast the capability of becoming a seasoned pass-blocker.

Another factor working for Blazevich is his experience as a wide receiver, which can also be of use when running offensive routes. Although time will only tell, look for Blazevich to show up and quite possibly split time or come in when running a two tight end set with Rome.

Shattle Fenteng:

Transferring from Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, Fenteng comes in as probably the best of Georgia’s three recruited cornerbacks. At 6’1”, Fenteng has the right size and speed that coaches target for that position. As far as his presence on the field, Fenteng has demonstrated his ability to watch receivers and not just the quarterback to make plays. Another plus, he already plays with an above average level of physicality.

Showing his maturity, ESPN had Fenteng ranked as the top JUCO cornerback in the 2014 class. With his practice at a community college level last season, watch for Fenteng to bring that experience to Georgia as he comes in with the mindset of a seasoned veteran and the potential to fill a huge gap in 2014.