College Sports

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

Georgia quarterback Jacob Eason (10) is entering his sophomore season with the Bulldogs.
Georgia quarterback Jacob Eason (10) is entering his sophomore season with the Bulldogs. AP

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."

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