The University of Georgia is known for having some of the best running backs in the history of college football. From Herschel Walker to Nick Chubb, there’s no college football program around that can compare to the excellence that has come from that position in Athens, Georgia. Each player that has come through and toted the rock for the Georgia Bulldogs did it with their own unique capabilities. Each recruit that comes in understands the importance of continuing the tradition set by the absolute beasts that have come before him. Being labeled with the moniker RB-U hascertainly had it’s obvious advantages, but why are we talking about running backs in a story about the 2018 receiver class?
That’s because being labeled RB-U also has it’s disadvantages. Being known as a program with a tradition of running backs can have an adverse effect on receiver recruiting. You best believe other programs are negative recruiting in every way possible when trying to keep the top receivers away from the Georgia Bulldogs. It also doesn’t help that we get so far ahead of most teams that we’re able to just sit on the ball the second half of games. Kirby Smart is my favorite coach that we’ve ever had, but that is my main pet peeve about him. I have found myself screaming at the television for him to throw the ball down the field in the fourth quarter of games that are in te bag. I understand that you’re more prone to turnovers and all that mumbo jumbo, but sometimes you have to let the kids play ball. Some of these highly ranked receivers care about stats and we’re going to have to show them that our receivers can put up stats. Just look at Brock Bowers and the tight end position and how recruting is going for that position now. I understand that there’s only one ball to go around, but I’ll leave it at that for now and get off my soapbox.
Despite being known for the running game and despite the negative recruiting, the Dawgs have been able to bring in some very talented receivers along the way. One of those players is Kearis Jackson, an in-stste prospect from Pech County in the 2018 class. Jackson has become a key figure for the UGA football program on and off the field. He has established himself as a leader in the locker room and the Athens community. The proof is in the pudding, as he was recently named to the Wuerfell Trophy Watch List. According to their website, the Wuerfell Trophy honors college football athletes who are serving others, while also achieving greatness on the football field and in the classroom. He was also recently named All-SEC first team as a return specialist by the media attending the SEC Media Days event. Jackson was ranked as the #23 receiver and #130 overall recruit in the 2018 class according to the 247sports composite rankings. Tommy Bush is a 6’5 receiver who the Dawgs recruited heavily and signed in the 2018 class. We actually turned multiple recruits at multiple positions down in favor of Bush. The Texas native combined speed with his height to become the #37 receiver and #196 overall in the 2018 class.
So how have these players done on the field compared to other top receiver targets and highly ranked receiver prospects in their class?
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