Georgia Football: 4 Players Sure to Surprise at Fall Camp

Fall camp is a time for players to build chemistry as well as get in shape for the upcoming season. The Georgia Bulldogs should have both of those things already in place because the team looked in shape during spring practice, and with 11 starters returning, chemistry won’t be hard to build, either.

However, with 11 returning starters also comes a new slate of players entering into the fold, which makes fall camp more exciting. The Bulldogs have a talented core of young players and veterans looking to gain playing time this season. And if the Bulldogs reach their goals for this season, it will be because of the players who are able to be productive in fall camp.

So here are four players who are sure to surprise when the Bulldogs hit the practice field in a couple of weeks.

RB Keith Marshall

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We have talked about Nick Chubb all offseason because he was able to come on strong last year when Todd Gurley was suspended and went down with an injury.

However, Keith Marshall is looking to make a comeback, and by the looks of things, he will be able to do just that.

Head coach Mark Richt told Jake Rowe of 247Sports that Marshall has gotten the tools back that led him to a strong 2012 season. Richt went on to say he sees Marshall’s quickness returning, as well as his agility and speed.

Marshall should have a strong camp if he can stay healthy. That could mean the Bulldogs will have another weapon on offense when it comes to the run game.

DL Trent Thompson

Credit: 247Sports

Trent Thompson has yet to see the field for the Bulldogs, but he has a chance to make an impact right away if he can learn how to quickly adjust to the college game.

The fact that Thompson has been named in the 2015 All-Freshman team by Athlon Sports tells anyone who follows the Bulldogs that he is going to make an impact right away. However, because of his size, physicality and technique, it won’t take long for him to adjust to fall camp.

Thompson is strong enough to play nose tackle, but he’s also athletic enough to play defensive end. It will be interesting to see where defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt lines him up.

WR Isaiah McKenzie

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

When the preseason depth chart was released, Isaiah McKenzie was listed as the No. 1 receiver. He played mostly on special teams last season and made a huge impact. Now he’s looking to do more on offense, and Richt constantly praised him for his production in the spring, according to Jake Rowe of 247Sports.

McKenzie is an explosive player who needs to get the ball as much as possible. Because of his speed, agility and hands, he has worked his way up the depth chart. He was able to perform well in spring practice and the spring game, but he could make a bigger jump when fall camp begins.

TE Jay Rome

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Jeb Blazevich was able to make an immediate impact as a true freshman last year. He showed he can be a reliable target, especially on third down.

However, don’t count out the veteran Jay Rome.

After battling numerous injuries during his career, Rome is healthy and ready to finish his stint strongly in Athens. He has yet to have that breakout season, and with a strong fall camp, that should carry over into the regular season.

Rome has been in a number of big games, so his experience will benefit the younger tight ends and the rest of the offense. The other players on offense will be surprised to see how good an athlete Rome is when they hit the field in the next couple of weeks.