Georgia Football: 5 Toughest QBs the Bulldogs Will Face in 2015

The quarterback situation for the Georgia Bulldogs is an interesting one to say the least. Brice Ramsey, Faton Bauta and Jacob Park battled it out during spring practice, but none of the three separated themselves from the pack.

And it was reported by Ryan Bartow of 247 Sports that Virginia quarterback Greyson Lambert visited UGA on Saturday and could transfer after he graduates from Virginia in June.

But while Mark Richt and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer are evaluating talent at quarterback, defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt is preparing his defense for the opposing quarterbacks they will face this season.

And here are the five toughest quarterbacks the Bulldogs will face in 2015.

5. Patrick Towles, Kentucky

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Patrick Towles did not put up great numbers when he played the Bulldogs last season—16-of-31, 139 yards, one touchdown, one interception—but he did have a solid year, as he threw for 2,718 yards, 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Towles was able to score 20 total touchdowns, which is good considering he did not have a lot of help. That will change this season because the running game will be better with Stanley Williams and Mikel Horton having a year of experience.

Towles is an experienced quarterback who has a good arm and is smart when he runs with the football. He will give the Bulldogs’ defense fits when they play late in the season.

4. Maty Mauk, Missouri

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Maty Mauk played one of his worst games of the season against the Bulldogs in 2014 as he threw for 97 yards and four interceptions. But he still was able to lead the Missouri Tigers to the SEC East title after he threw for 2,648 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Mauk is known for extending plays with his legs, and he knows the Tigers offense in and out. He does tend to turn the ball over consistently, but when he’s on his game, he is a very tough quarterback to stop, and that has led to a ton of wins for the Tigers.

3. Jeremy Johnson, Auburn

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This will be the first year Jeremy Johnson will start the entire season for Auburn. And he looks ready to take the helm because in the limited action he has seen, Johnson has thrown for 436 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Johnson has great size, a strong arm and he sees the field well. And even though he’s not the runner like Nick Marshall, he can run the ball if he needs to. And add the fact that Auburn has talented running backs and receivers, odds are the Bulldogs will not blow the Tigers out like they did last year.

2. Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee

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If there is one quarterback to watch in the SEC, it would have to be Joshua Dobbs, who came on strong late last season.

Dobbs has seen significant time his first two seasons with the Vols, and that experience will come in handy this season as he becomes the full-time starter. Last season, Dobbs finished with 1,206 passing yards and 469 rushing yards.

Dobbs may have issues with pass protection early in the season because the offensive line was a big problem all of 2014. But his mobility will help him buy time in the pocket, and he can get first downs with his legs if he needs to. Dobbs will also have two strong running backs in Alvin Kamara and Jalen Hurd to give him support in the run game.

1. Justin Thomas, Georgia Tech

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The toughest quarterback the Bulldogs will face in 2015 is the only quarterback to beat the Bulldogs in Athens last year. He did not have great numbers against the Bulldogs last year (34 rushing yards, 64 passing yards), but he will be a more efficient passer and a more dangerous runner in his second year in the system.

The Bulldogs always have fits with dual-threat quarterbacks. It will be no surprise if Thomas puts up big numbers against the UGA defense.