Ranking Georgia’s top 10 individual opponents in 2017

Each game Georgia faces will present a different challenge. Among those will be how to scheme against certain individual players from the opposition.

There are quite a few players who figure to give head coach Kirby Smart and his staff headaches when game-planning. And through the offseason, you can bet Smart’s ever-growing support staff of analysts and consultants have been breaking down film to identify who could present the greatest problems this season.

With that in mind, here is a preseason look at the top 10 individual players Georgia will go against in 2017.

10. Florida cornerback Duke Dawson

Dawson played 11 games a year ago as Florida’s nickel back and will move to corner as a senior. He will be one of Florida’s defensive leaders on a group that has to replace eight starters, including NFL draft picks Teez Tabor and Quincy Wilson. Dawson recorded 24 tackles – 3 ½ for loss – and one interception in 2016.

9. South Carolina linebacker Skai Moore

Moore is a tackling machine. Unfortunately for South Carolina, it wasn’t able to reap the benefits of his defensive prowess in 2016. Moore underwent neck surgery and missed last season. Having led South Carolina in tackles from 2013-15, Moore is back for his final season. His speed will be especially valued on a defense that surprised a lot of teams in 2016.

8. Florida receiver Antonio Callaway

If Florida can find a capable quarterback, its passing game could surprise a lot of people. A lot of that has to do with Callaway, an absolute burner of a deep threat. Callaway caught 54 passes for 721 yards and three touchdowns in 2016, which was good for an average of 13.3 yards per catch. Callaway will look for a strong season to shadow his latest off-field issue, which was a May citation for marijuana possession.

7. Kentucky linebacker Jordan Jones

Just ask Georgia how good Jones is. Jones was probably one of the top 10 individual defenders the Bulldogs faced all of last season. Jones totaled 10 tackles – 2 ½ for loss – and forced a fumble in Georgia’s win. He also broke up a pass. Jones concluded the 2016 season with 109 tackles and four sacks. He and safety Mike Edwards will look to lead what should be an improved Kentucky defense.

6. Auburn right tackle Braden Smith

Smith made the transition to right tackle this spring after spending his previous seasons as an interior lineman. Upon turning the film on, Smith doesn’t disappoint. Smith rarely gets pushed back at the point of attack and shows great athleticism when asked to pull. As a right tackle, Smith will be an anchor in Auburn’s run game, which will look to get downhill early and often in games.

5. Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald

In a win over Mississippi in the Egg Bowl, Fitzgerald ran for 258 yards and two touchdowns. While he only posted a 54 percent completion percentage a year ago, Fitzgerald’s dual-threat capability makes him dangerous for defenses to defend. Going into his junior season, Fitzgerald figures to improve as a passer. But it should be noted, three of the top five defenses in the SEC a year ago – Alabama, LSU, Auburn – held him in check statistically.

4. Kentucky running back Benny Snell Jr.

In most games, Georgia had a good grip on the opposing team’s run game. Against the Bulldogs, Snell totaled 114 of Kentucky’s 186 rushing yards, to go along with two touchdowns. Snell is a power runner who makes tacklers pay at the point of contact. Against Georgia, Snell didn’t lose one yard on any of his carries. Snell finished 2016 with 1,091 yards and 13 touchdowns.

3. Florida left tackle Martez Ivey

Ivey made the move from guard to tackle this spring, which shows the coaching staff knows he is the best lineman on the roster. Ivey is also already being projected as a potential first-to-second round pick if he comes out for the 2018 NFL draft. Ivey was named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice last season and should be in for a big junior year.

2. Auburn running back Kamryn Pettway

Pettway sat out against Georgia due to a leg injury in 2016. Consider the Bulldogs fortunate based on what Pettway did to teams he saw the field against. Pettway ran for over 100 yards in seven of the nine games he appeared in last season. He totaled 169 yards against Mississippi State, 192 against Arkansas, 236 against Mississippi and 173 against Vanderbilt. Pettway ended 2016 with 1,224 yards and seven touchdowns.

1. Notre Dame offensive linemen Quenton Nelson and Mike McGlinchey

Why separate the best guard and tackle in the country when you can put both at No. 1? McGlinchey is a 6-foot-8 left tackle and Nelson is a powerful left guard. That side of the line will be a frequent visit for running back Josh Adams in 2017. The duo should also provide excellent protection for quarterback Brandon Wimbush’s blind side. Draft experts have Nelson and McGlinchey at the top of their position groups for the 2018 class.

This story was originally published June 22, 2017 at 1:57 PM with the headline "Ranking Georgia’s top 10 individual opponents in 2017."