Georgia Football 2011: The 8 Most Important Backups on the Team

The SEC Media Days have wrapped up and the media experts have picked Georgia to finish second in the SEC East behind South Carolina.

Also, nine Bulldogs were selected to the All-SEC Team including Aaron Murray, Orson Charles, Blair Walsh, Drew Butler and Brandon Boykin. All these players will have to play big if they want to go to the Georgia Dome twice.

But the backups for the starters are just as important because they are one play away from being first-string. And if the backups aren't ready when their number is called, then it could be a long season in Athens.

Here's a list of the eight most important backups on the team.

QB Hutson Mason

There is no question of the value of Hutson Mason. Because he is the backup quarterback, he will have to be ready to go at any given point of the season.

Mason is not as athletic as starter Aaron Murray, but he does have a big arm and can make plays when given the opportunity.

RB Ken Malcome

There has been a lot of talk about the arrival of Isaiah Crowell who should be the starting running back once the season begins. But Ken Malcome is getting some buzz as well.

He was injured the majority of spring practice, so he never got to show what he could really do. If he is able to get going early in the season (as he will get some touches) the offense will be that much better.

RB Carlton Thomas

Carlton Thomas will not be an important backup when the Bulldogs take on Boise State because he will be suspended for that game for violating team rules. Regardless, with the running back depth becoming more thin by the minute, Thomas will be needed this season more than ever.

Thomas is not a big guy and not great running between the tackles, but he is a great change-of-pace back that is extremely fast and can change the game with one play.

TE Aron White

Orson Charles has emerged into one of the best tight ends in college football, but Aron White is no slouch when it comes to making plays.

The senior will come into the 2011 season as the No. 2 tight end behind Charles, but has a ton of experience with 16 starts in three years. White is known more for his catching skills, but he can block and also brings leadership to a young offense.

OL Dallas Lee

Because the depth of the offensive line is thin, young players will have to step up.

Dallas Lee can play both guard positions and could play some center if Ben Jones or Chris Burnette goes down. Lee played in three games last year and redshirted in 2009.

CB Branden Smirh

Branden Smith will come into 2011 season as a backup cornerback. But he will return kicks, punts and possibly play on offense.

His primary position will be the nickel corner, and because of his speed, he should be able to hang with the best slot receivers in the conference. He is one of the more valuable players on the team because of his versatility.

WR Rantavious Wooten

Tavarres King and Marlon Brown are the projected starters for the two wide receiver spots.

So it looks like Rantavious Wooten will be the primary backup and while he does not have a big frame (5'11", 170) he has a ton of speed and has a knack for making a big play.

But the question is, can Wooten do it more consistently?

OLB Ray Drew

Ray Drew is a member of the Dream Team and like Crowell, he should see an ample amount of playing time.

Drew, who was an all-state and all-American player at Thomas County Central High School in Thomasville, Ga., has a very good chance of being a starter.

But due to the terminology of the 3-4 defense, he will play a reserve role; but don't expect him to be in that position for a long period of time.