Georgia Bulldogs place 5 players on All-SEC teams

Oct 19, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Jonathan Krause (17) drops a pass as he is hit by Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Ramik Wilson (51) during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium. The Commodores beat the Bulldogs 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

Coming into the 2013 season, expectations in Athens were very, very high, and an 8-4 season wasn’t exactly what most fans of the Georgia Bulldogs had in mind. However, that didn’t stop UGA from placing 5 players on the two “All-SEC” teams released by the Associated Press on Monday.

Linebacker Ramik Wilson, tight end Arthur Lynch, and kicker Marshall Morgan were all named to the 1st team after incredible seasons. Wilson led the SEC in tackles (by a wide margin) with 128 on the season, and he was generally a terror to opposing offenses. Lynch racked up 390 yards receiving (2nd among TE) and 5 touchdowns (1st among TE) as one of Aaron Murray’s best options, and Morgan was the league’s most accurate kicker, making 18 of 20 on field goals following a suspension to start the season.

It is almost ironic to see Georgia’s top two players, Aaron Murray and Todd Gurley, be selected for “just” 2nd-team honors, but both were victims of uncontrollable circumstances. Murray couldn’t surpass Heisman candidate Johnny Manziel despite 3,075 yards (in 11 games) and 26 touchdowns, while Gurley’s injury woes held him to just 903 yards and 10 scores in 9 games.

With all of that, it was an impressive season for many members of the UGA football program, and it is important they be recognized for their achievements, despite a season that was less than perfect.