Top 5 Seniors Entering 2017

3. RB Nick Chubb, Georgia

The Georgia Bulldogs didn’t do terribly, but their first season under head coach Kirby Smart came with some growing pains. With running back Nick Chubb and Sony Michel returning to the program in 2017, there’s still more to look forward to.

The Georgia defense wasn’t an issue, but scoring on offense was. The Bulldogs were 102nd in the FBS in scoring offense (24.5 points/game) in 2016. The team won four of their last five games, but going 2-3 against ranked opponents last season certainly left a sour taste in their mouths.

The Bulldogs can certainly do more in 2017, and Chubb’s return elevates those expectations. He did have 222 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the team’s season opener in 2016, but after that, there was much to be desired.

Chubb’s recovery from a knee injury in 2015 was a success, but his numbers fell short of his freshman year production. He ran for 1,547 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns in 2014. Towards the end of 2016, Chubb met with UGA offensive coordinator Jim Chaney seeking more of a role in the offense. After that meeting, he responded in the final five games with 99 carries for 524 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.

The running game was the least of the Bulldogs’ worries, however. Most of the issues were at offensive line. Help is on the way as the offensive line will be new and improved, which should prove to be work out in Chubb’s favor in the end.