The 2019 Exodus
The 2018 Georgia Football had another successful season under head coach Kirby Smart. The bulldogs went 11-3 and had a spot in the SEC Championship game and a New Years Day bowl game, although they suffered losses in both. These two losses will not be the only ones they will experience early in 2019.
Key losses to due to Transfer
Justin Fields QB
Justin Fields is a 5 Star dual threat QB that was believed to be the future QB1 at Georgia. Fields announced his intent to transfer to Ohio State earlier.
Luke Ford TE
Tight End Luke Ford also announced his transfer to the University of Illinois.
Key losses due to declaring for NFL Draft
This is where these key losses will be felt the most. Georgia had some serious talent at the Running Back and Wide Receiver positions.
Elijah Holyfield RB
Elijah split time in the backfield with 1,000 yard rusher D'Andre Swift. He rushed for 956 yards on 147 carries averaging 6.5 yards per carry. While accounting for 7 touchdowns on the ground. He has a serious motor and I have no doubt he will be successful in the NFL. His father is former Heavyweight Champion Evander Holyfield.
Mecole Hardman WR
Mecole was the #1 target for QB1 Jake Fromm. He caught 33 passes for 529 yards averaging 16 yards per catch. Hardman accounted for 6 touchdown receptions.
Riley Ridley WR
Riley was also a top target for Jake Fromm. He caught 39 passes for 509 yards averaging 13.1 yards per catch. Ridley was a touchdown machine, accounting for a team high 9 touchdowns receiving.
Isaac Nauta
Isaac was the #3 target for Fromm. He had 29 receptions for 427 yards averaging 14.7 yards per catch. Nauta accounted for 3 touchdown catches.
The Future
These losses will certainly be felt. However, Georgia did sign the #2 recruiting class in all of College Football. Looks like Coach Kirby Smart will be reloading!