Georgia Bulldogs: Top 5 Defensive Players for 2015

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver DeAndre Smelter (15) catches a touchdown behind Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Quincy Mauger (20) during the second half at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia defeated Georgia Tech 41-34 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Perhaps I am not alone in my love for free safety Quincy Mauger’s game.  Mauger is a third-team pre-season All-SEC DB for Georgia heading into 2015.  I’ve always liked his composure, a necessity to play defensive back at a high level.  He can lead the Dawgs by example with his on-field performance in 2015.

I see Quincy Mauger becoming the next leader in the Georgia Bulldogs secondary as long-time unit leader Damian Swann now plays for the New Orleans Saints. Mauger started 7 of the Dawgs’ 13 games last year at free safety, recording 51 tackles, 34 solo and had a team high 4 interceptions, good enough for 4th in the SEC.

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You have to feel pretty confident in having a solid ball hawker at free safety like Quincy Mauger in your secondary. It feels like that UGA gets most of its interceptions between the hash marks with its sure-handed safeties and nickelbacks.  Mauger has the potential to become an NFL caliber player in the next two seasons with the Georgia Bulldogs.

For Jeremy Pruitt’s secondary to improve and thrive in 2015, Coach Pruitt will need to rely on strong upperclassmen to fill the void left by Swann.  I think Mauger rises to the occasion and makes an All-SEC team as a junior in 2015 for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Next: The First of Many Pass Rushers