Countdown to football: A to Z, a look at the college football season in Georgia

Yes, it’s still July, and we’re more than a month away from the start of the 2017 football season. But that doesn’t mean we can’t get ready for the upcoming season. To do that, we’ll have a series throughout the summer counting down to the season.

The series continues as we break down the season for the state’s Division I and Division II teams.

A, A.J. Gray: Gray has become a star for the Georgia Tech defense and could have a big season in 2017.

B, Bell: Kerwin Bell led Valdosta State to an 8-3 season in 2016 in his first season with the program.

C, Chubb: Georgia fans had to be thrilled when Nick Chubb announced he would return for his senior season.

D, David Dean: The former Valdosta State head coach and last year’s co-offensive coordinator at Georgia Southern takes over as West Georgia’s head coach.

E, Eason: After a solid freshman season, Jacob Eason looks to take the next step as Georgia’s starting quarterback.

F, Fromm: If Eason stumbles, former Houston County star Jake Fromm will be a freshman with the Bulldogs.

G, Gabe Giardina: Albany State’s first-year head coach takes over the longtime SIAC power.

H, Hardman: Georgia plans to use Mecole Hardman as a wide receiver in his sophomore season after he didn’t get much action as a freshman.

I, Indiana: Georgia makes its first-ever trip to South Bend, Indiana, for a game against Notre Dame on Sept. 9.

J, Jacksonville: The Bulldogs make their annual trip to north Florida on Oct. 28 to take on Florida.

K, Kaelan Riley: The former Calhoun star likely will take over as Mercer’s starting quarterback after redshirting last year.

L, Lamb: Mercer head coach Bobby Lamb’s program is heading into its fifth season.

M: Mills: Dedrick Mills had a breakout season at Georgia Tech last year as a freshman.

N, Nauta: Isaac Nauta is becoming a star at tight end for Georgia.

O, Oliver: Former Northside standout Tobias Oliver has moved on to Georgia Tech.

P, Porter: Kevin Porter led Fort Valley State to an SIAC title in 2016 in his first season with the program.

Q, Quarterback: Who will it be at QB at Georgia Tech after Justin Thomas finished his Yellow Jackets career last season?

R, Road trips: Mercer has two big-time ones this season against SEC opponents: Auburn (Sept. 16) and Alabama (Nov. 18).

S, Smart: Kirby Smart is entering his second season as Georgia’s head coach after a solid first season.

T, Tyson Summers: Summers shook up his coaching staff after his first season at Georgia Southern didn’t go as planned.

U, Ukwu: Ike Ukwu was a member of Georgia Southern’s Eagle Honor Roll for the fall.

V, Valdosta State: The Blazers open their season against Albany State and Fort Valley State.

W, Waycross: Fort Valley State and Valdosta State will play their game Sept. 9 in Waycross.

X, Ten: Paul Johnson is entering his 10th season as Georgia Tech’s head coach.

Y, Year one: Shawn Elliott is set for his first season as a head coach at Georgia State.

Z, Zane: Zane Ashley signed with Georgia Tech in February.

This story was originally published July 18, 2017 at 3:14 PM with the headline "Countdown to football: A to Z, a look at the college football season in Georgia."