Georgia Football: The 5 Most Important Recruits for the Bulldogs' 2016 Season

As the 2015 season winds down for the Georgia Bulldogs, it’s time to take a look at the 2016 season. Even though the Bulldogs have three more games left, they are not going to play for the SEC title. So it’s not a bad thing to look ahead to see how can they get to the Georgia Dome in December 2016.

The biggest thing the Bulldogs have to do is develop recruits. According to 247Sports, the Bulldogs have to sixth-best recruiting class in the country. When the season officially ends, the coaching staff will be hard at work to not only keep the players they have committed, but see if they can get more top recruits into the program to make the team stronger.

But who are the five most important recruits for the Bulldogs heading into the 2016 season?

QB Jacob Eason

Out of all recruits for Georgia next year, Jacob Eason might be the most important.

The quarterback position for Georgia this year has been a mess to say the least. Greyson Lambert, Brice Ramsey and Faton Bauta all got shots to play this season, and while Lambert has seen the most action, all three have not lived up to expectations.

Eason is considered by 247Sports as the fifth-best prospect in the country. So far in his final high school season, Eason has completed 69 percent of his passes, throwing 37 touchdowns and only five interceptions.

Head coach Mark Richt recognizes Eason's importance. The day after the Bulldogs played Auburn, Richt flew to Lake Stevens, Washington, and had breakfast with Eason. That's something you don’t see or hear about every day.

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Having breakfast in Snohomish Washington in Jakes Cafe with Jacob and Tony Eason. Go Dawgs! pic.twitter.com/II6JFCkmYB

— Mark Richt (@MarkRicht) November 15, 2015"

DL Julian Rochester

This past signing day, the Bulldogs signed Trent Thompson, and he has logged in significant playing time this year. The Bulldogs look to continue to build the interior defensive line with the addition of Julian Rochester.

The Powder Springs, Georgia, native has been very dominant for McEachern High School this season, recording 75 tackles, 12 sacks and a fumble recovery. 247Sports has Rochester listed as the eighth-best defensive tackle prospect in the country.

With the Bulldogs losing four defensive linemen after this season, Rochester will likely see a lot of playing time if he doesn’t end up starting.

"

BIG BOY #UGA commit Julian Rochester is a man amongst boys! Who's going to block him on the next level? pic.twitter.com/u5elks2QK1

— Junior Baker (@SouthernSwagg4) October 3, 2015"

OL Ben Cleveland

When you are recruiting a big-time quarterback, you need guys who can protect him.

That’s why recruiting Ben Cleveland is just as important as getting Eason. Considered the ninth-best offensive tackle by 247Sports, Cleveland has a strong connection with Eason, as both committed to Georgia at the same time a year-and-a-half ago.

Cleveland recently told Rusty Mansell of 247 Sports that his commitment to Georgia is strong and he’s not going to change his mind. That’s good, because the Bulldogs will lose at least three offensive linemen due to graduation; Cleveland will have a chance to contribute right away.

WR Charlie Woerner

One of the biggest problems Georgia has had the last few years is it had no size at wide receiver. Charlie Woerner has that, as he stands at 6’5’’ and 230 pounds.

"

Worse case scenario for #UGA: Charlie Woerner has to play tight end. One of the best jumbo athletes in years. pic.twitter.com/ESEiip9Yuw

— Radi Nabulsi (@RadiNabulsi) October 9, 2015"

Woerner can line up at receiver or tight end because of his size. But he’s likely going to play receiver next season because there’s enough depth at tight end with Jeb Blazevich and Jackson Harris. The receiver from Rabun County, Georgia, has great ball skills; most importantly, he will be a big target in the red zone, which will be huge for the Bulldogs.

RB Elijah Holyfield

The Bulldogs are set at running back with Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. However, the more quality running backs, the better the Bulldogs will be, which is why Elijah Holyfield is a big addition.

Holyfield is listed as the fifth-best running back in the country via 247Sports. Like Chubb, Holyfield has the ability to break tackles and score from anywhere on the field.

"

Elijah Holifield wow--https://t.co/EWD7DKUQmw via youtube

— Chubb is my DAWG (@deanholli) November 17, 2015"

Depending on the Chubb injury, Holyfield could see action next season. However, if the Bulldogs are able to sign target Devwah Whaley, the Bulldogs could have the next great running back duo to replace Chubb and Michel. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few months.