Georgia football players report for preseason camp Tuesday night, and among the 105 players expected to show up will be 24 scholarship newcomers.
The Bulldogs added 26 players on national signing day in February, but two won't be among the camp arrivals. Defensive tackle Chris Mayes of Griffin failed to qualify and is headed to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and linebacker Kent Turene of Lauderdale Lakes, Fla., is still trying to clear academic hurdles and gain his eligibility.
On Monday, defensive back Devin Bowman of Rossville learned he had passed all four parts of the Georgia High School graduation test, and will report on Tuesday.
The core of what has become known as "the Dream Team" recruiting class has been in Athens all summer as early enrollees. Much is expected of this group. Following are the top five newcomers who should have the greatest impact this season:
1. Tailback Isaiah Crowell (5-11, 210), Carver High School, Columbus: Crowell was expected to make a profound impact even before the Bulldogs lost their top two tailbacks from a year ago. With leading rushers Washaun Ealey and Caleb King unable to continue their Georgia careers -- and No. 3 tailback Carlton Thomas suspended and ruled out of the season opener -- it's paramount that this five-star prospect live up to his lofty billing. Crowell was highly productive at Carver High, averaging 11.7 yards per carry and a touchdown every eight carries as a senior; the Bulldogs would be blessed to get half that. Coach Mark Richt famously said Crowell "may tote that rock in the first game" on national signing day. Barring an injury in preseason camp, Crowell might make that's a certainty.
2. Nose guard John Jenkins (6-4, 350), Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, Meriden, Conn.: The recruiting battle for this JUCO All-American defensive lineman was fierce and carried on until after national signing day. Jenkins' high regard is based on the attributes he brings that are needed to give a middle presence to a 3-4 defense -- size, strength and quickness. Jenkins' roster presence likely motivated sophomore nose guard Kwame Geathers to earn defensive MVP honors during spring practice. Alternating reps in the middle of Todd Grantham's defense, these two players should provide a positive ripple effect for the entire unit.
3. Wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (6-1, 190), Valdosta High, Valdosta: Mitchell was considered an elite recruit when he committed to Georgia over Alabama and Florida last January. Most analysts projected him as a cornerback in college, even though he had more than 1,400 yards receiving as a senior, and the Bulldogs were panned for not landing the blue-chip receiver needed to replace NFL lottery pick A.J. Green. Once Mitchell went through voluntary workouts with the team this summer, it was apparent to the Bulldogs what kind of offensive weapon they had landed. Quarterback Aaron Murray raved how Mitchell blistered defensive backs in Georgia's pass skeleton drills and 7-on-7 competitions. It appears the Bulldogs will look to Mitchell as the freshman who sneaks into the six-player rotation.
4. OLB Ray Drew, (6-5, 243), Thomas County Central High, Thomasville: Drew is another five-star recruit and was rated No. 1 in the country as a defensive end, but he'll play outside linebacker for the Bulldogs. He's a licensed minister from South Georgia who helped recruit half the "Dream Team" himself. The outspoken and gregarious Drew has distinguished himself as vocal leader among the incoming freshmen. The Bulldogs need him to come through on the field because eligibility issues and attrition have made depth a concern. If not Drew, Amarlo Herrera, Ramik Wilson or Turene will have to step up and show he can play early.
5. CB Nick Marshall (6-2, 200), Wilcox County High, Rochelle: Few new players have come to Athens more physically ready than this two-sport athlete. Marshall was a four-star recruit as a quarterback and a shooting guard in basketball. He agreed to play cornerback at Georgia as a way to get on the field quicker and make the possibility of playing two sports more realistic. The secondary happens to be an area in which the Bulldogs could use a talent infusion, and he was a standout during the Bulldogs' 7-on-7 competitions this summer. Marshall has the size to play safety and speed to play cornerback, so he's the perfect candidate to find early playing time.
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