Georgia Football: The 10 Most Important People in the Program

In order for the Georgia Bulldogs to take that next step in 2012, everyone involved with the program has to be better.

While the Bulldogs had a great 2011, they know that if they learn from their mistakes this year, they know they can do some big thing next year.

But there are 10 people involved with the program that are vital to the team's success moving forward.

Let's take a look at the 10 individuals.

No. 10: Kenarious Gates

With Cordy Glenn, Ben Jones and Justin Anderson all leaving, Gates will become one of the leaders of a young offensive line.

Gates made eight starts at guard this year and played well. But he knows that he will have to play a bigger role next year if he and the rest of the offensive line want to help Aaron Murray reach new heights next season.

No. 9: Malcolm Mitchell

Even if Tavarres King returns for his senior season, Mitchell will be an important piece next year because of the impact he made this season.

He had over 600 receiving yards and was named to the All-SEC Freshman team, along with Isaiah Crowell. He showed that he can make big plays down field, which is something the Bulldogs needed.

It should be interesting to see what type of numbers Mitchell will put up next year.

No. 8: Mike Bobo

Fans have criticized offensive coordinator Mike Bobo for his play calling the last two seasons.

But if you were to look at the numbers for the offense, they are one of the better groups in the SEC.

However, Bobo will have to have a big season because with the players he has returning next year, the Bulldogs will be expected to score a lot of points, and Bobo has to be sure he puts all his players in the right positions to make plays.

No. 7: Greg McGarity

The Georgia AD believed that the Bulldogs would bounce back after an 0-2 start, and he was right, winning 10 of their last 11 games.

But that's why he is not on this list. McGarity has to decide if he wants to give Mark Richt an extension or just wait to see how next season plays out.

After the 2010 season, McGarity was disappointed with the effort of the team, and he knew he would have to make some changes if things did not improve.

But the Bulldogs turned things around this season, and now, McGrarity will have to make an interesting decision that will determine the future of the Bulldogs.

No. 6: Isaiah Crowell

Crowell had a good year, and it was obvious he was one of the better freshman players in the SEC.

But he knows he could have done better.

Due to injuries and off-the-field issues, Crowell was ridiculed by fans because they felt like he was not tough and disciplined enough to have success in the SEC.

The reality is, Crowell is the best running back on the roster, and if he works hard in the offseason, he should have a very good 2012 season.

No. 5: Orson Charles

Charles my not be with the team next year because he may forgo his senior season for the NFL.

But as of right now, he is a Bulldog and becomes a key player for the 2012 season.

Charles had another great season at the tight end spot, and because he and Aaron Murray have a strong relationship, they have done a lot of damage together the last two years.

If he does decide to return, he should be a first-team All-American.

No. 4: Rodney Garner

One of the reasons the Dream Team was possible was because of the relationships assistant head coach Rodney Garner built with the recruits.

He is also the defensive line coach and has mentored NFL players Richard Seymour and Charles Grant.

But he is also on this list because if Richt gets fired during the season, he will be the interim head coach and a candidate for the new head coach for the Bulldogs.

Let's hope it doesn't get to that point.

No. 3: Jarvis Jones

Jones had a monster season for the Bulldogs, and the outside linebacker got numerous honors for his efforts.

He was the reason the Bulldogs were a top-10 defense, and he will be the reason the unit takes the next step in 2012.

And for those who are worried about him jumping to the NFL in 2012, don't worry, because Jones has confirmed he will return next year.

No. 2: Aaron Murray

In 2011, Murray showed that 2010 was not a fluke.

Even though Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson had better numbers, Murray was the best quarterback in the SEC.

He is a natural leader that always finds a way to win. He always wants to get better, and if he does take the necessary steps in the offseason, 2012 should be a huge year for the Bulldogs.

No. 1: Mark Richt

Richt has done it again.

After an 0-2 start to the 2011 season, he found a way to rally the troops and reach the SEC Championship, as well as a January bowl game.

He has done so much since he became the head coach in 2001, and he is one of the most respected coaches in the country.

Richt is the most important person in the program because he is the key to the Bulldogs success.

I know fans want more from Richt, but outside of a national championship, Richt has done more than 95 percent of the college coaches in the nation.