Georgia Football: 5 Guys Who Need a Great Spring Performance

Mark your calendar Dawg fans because on April 14 you will have a chance to get an early look at the 2012 Bulldogs in the annual G-Day game.

It's always a good time for fans to make their way to Athens and take in some football in the spring time.

Most fans are there because they want to see how some of the new players look, while others are there just for the sake watching some football.

But, for the coaches, the game is not the most important thing about spring practice. The coaching staff will evaluate players during the practice sessions and see how players have improved between the beginning of spring practice and the end of the G-Day game.

Here's five players that need to have a great spring performance.

Hutson Mason, QB

As a backup quarterback for Aaron Murray the last two years, Hutson Mason has done a solid job.

But when reports came out that he was thinking about transferring at the end of the year, the coaches may want to take a closer look at him and see if he still wants to be a Bulldog.

Also, Christian LeMay had a good spring session last year, and looks ready to take over when Murray departs. It's Mason's job to lose, but it would be in his best interest to have a good spring practice and show the coaches that he's in it for the long run.

Tavarres King, WR

Tavarres King ended the 2012 season on a high note with a strong performance in the Outback Bowl. King tallied six receptions for 205 yards.

With Malcolm Mitchell, Chris Conley and Michael Bennett impressing many last year, however, King will have to prove he is the No. 1 guy.

How does he do that? If he has a great spring and shows that he has built on his most recent bowl performance, he could have a huge 2012 campaign.

Isaiah Crowell, RB

Isaiah Crowell will most likely receive the most attention from fans as he needs to have a great spring. Not good, but great.

He did not have a bad 2011, but it was marred by injury and suspension, and the Bulldogs may not be as  confident in their running game as they would be otherwise.

Keith Marshall and Todd Gurley are expected to see some playing time, but they don't have much to prive this year, as they are true freshman.

Crowell does, however, because fans have seen what he can do and they know he can do better.

Damian Swann, CB

With Sanders Commings suspended the first two games of the season, and Jordan Love transferring, it looks like Damian Swann will start alongside Branden Smith at starting cornerback

Swann played the reserve role last year, appearing in 11 games and notching five tackles.

Swann has to have a big  spring practice and show fans that the cornerback position is in good hands.

We know what Branden Smith can do, we know what Shawn Williams can do, and we certainly know what Bacarri Rambo can do. What about Swann?

Ray Drew, DE/LB

When Ray Drew committed to Georgia last year, many fans were excited to see a guy who could potentially mirror the play and production of former Bulldog-great David Pollack.

Drew is going to be interesting to watch because he is expected to move from defensive end to outside linebacker this season.

He needs to have a great spring and show fans he is ready to be a star at Georgia. Drew has the size and speed to be an All-SEC and All-American player. It's just a matter of getting out there and proving it.