CFP National Championship 2018: Under-the-Radar Players to Watch
Household names are not hard to find on the rosters of the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs.
The pair of SEC behemoths have a wide variety of players who will hear their names get called in the early rounds of the NFL draft.
While you're aware of some of the key difference-makers for the national championship at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia, there are a few players who may fly under your radar in the buildup to the all-SEC clash.
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Below is a look at a few players who could vault into the spotlight while helping their team come out victorious.
Terry Godwin, WR. Georgia
You've heard a ton of praise directed at Georgia's running backs, and rightfully so, but the other facet of the Bulldogs offense must be functioning in order for them to have a chance of knocking off Alabama.
Junior wide receiver Terry Godwin is one of freshman quarterback Jake Fromm's top targets, and he's seen an uptick in action over the last two games.
After catching eight combined balls from October 28 to November 25, Godwin has caught five passes each in the SEC Championship and Rose Bowl.
Godwin may not receive the ball that much in the national championship against Alabama's daunting secondary, but he could easily break free to haul in a few vital completions.
Look for Georgia to use Godwin to expand the field and create momentum, especially if it encounters a 3rd-and-long situation. Godwin has caught 13 of his 34 receptions in between the 40-yard-lines and has 204 yards and two touchdowns on nine third-down catches.
If the challenge of running routes against Alabama's defensive backs becomes too much, Godwin could attempt to run shorter patterns in which he might be able to scamper beyond the Crimson Tide linebackers, who will be occupied on running backs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.
Levi Wallace, CB, Alabama
Every player in the Alabama secondary has a chance to be drafted high, but there's one unexpected prospect in that group.
Cornerback Levi Wallace has made his presence known alongside Ronnie Harrison, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Anthony Averett, and in the process he's caught the eye of many talent evaluators.
Wallace's story is one you'll hear plenty about during the title game and in the buildup to the NFL draft. The senior from Tucson, Arizona, was a walk-on and spent time on the scout team before earning a spot on the depth chart in 2016.
The progression from walk-on to NFL draft prospect is remarkable, and there's a decent chance Wallace will find himself in the spotlight.
Wallace should line up across from Godwin, Javon Wims or both during the game, and he could force Fromm to find another reliable target if he shuts down each of the Georgia quarterback's main options.
Keep an eye on Wallace as well on plays in which the safeties, especially Fitzpatrick, surge forward on the blitz. If Wallace is left one-on-one, he shouldn't have an issue breaking up passes.
Henry Ruggs III, WR/KR, Alabama
Special teams will play a bigger role than usual since the contest is expected to be a defensive struggle.
Alabama has a bit of an upper hand on special teams since punter J.K. Scott is one of the best at his position in the nation, but the true X-factor could be return man Henry Ruggs III, who might factor into the offensive game plan as well.
When he's been kicked to, Ruggs has done his best to give the Crimson Tide a boost. In the eight games he's returned a kick, the freshman wideout's put together a return average of 18.4 yards.
Georgia would be wise to kick the ball away from Ruggs every time he lines up for a return, but just because the Bulldogs don't kick to him doesn't mean he can't make an impact.
With Calvin Ridley expected to receive the bulk of the attention from Georgia's defensive backs, Ruggs could be sent deep to either open up the field for shorter routes run by other receivers, or fly down the field for a big play of his own.
Andrew Thomas, OL, Georgia
The interior is shaping up to be the place where the national championship will be won.
Georgia's offensive unit has a difficult task on its hands against an Alabama defensive line that ravaged through Clemson's front five in the Sugar Bowl.
Freshman offensive tackle Andrew Thomas will be tasked with limiting Alabama's edge rush in order to give Fromm plenty of time to sit in the pocket and wait for a play to develop.
Although the game plan to pick on a freshman offensive lineman seems easy to write up for Alabama, it isn't going up against just anyone.
Thomas earned First-Team Freshman All-American honors from both ESPN and USA Today for his play in 13 starts this season. The young tackle hasn't shown many signs of weakness, but if he's displayed any on tape, Alabama will look to exploit it.
Regardless of what kind of rush Thomas sees, he'll be vital to the success of the Bulldogs. If he gets dominated by Alabama's front seven, it will be a long night for Kirby Smart's team.
Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.
All statistics obtained from ESPN.com and Sports Reference.
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