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Georgia Football: 5 reasons why Jacob Eason will be SEC’s top QB in 2017

By Erich Hilkert

Dec 30, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) passes the ball while being pressured by TCU Horned Frogs defensive end Mat Boesen (9) during the first half at Liberty Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) passes the ball while being pressured by TCU Horned Frogs defensive end Mat Boesen (9) during the first half at Liberty Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs guard Isaiah Wynn (77) blocks against the Florida Gators during the second half at EverBank Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 27-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs guard Isaiah Wynn (77) blocks against the Florida Gators during the second half at EverBank Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 27-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Better offensive line play

Just a reminder: Eason threw 2,430 yards, 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions as a true freshman behind a weak offensive line. No, he didn’t face the same level of pressure Austin Allen endured, but he ranked fifth in the SEC with 21 sacks. Several of those sacks were purely missed assignments by the Georgia offensive line.

While serious questions remain regarding the Georgia offensive line, the unit should be better than in 2016. Isaiah Wynn returns to lead the unit, along with Dyshon Sims, Lamont Gaillard and Solomon Kindley. Wynn is a two-year starter at guard, not a division II transfer—no disrespect to Tyler Catalina. The 2017 unit is bigger and stronger than in 2016.

Most importantly, the 2017 unit has a lot more depth, so there will be backups scrapping to earn playing time if the starters should falter. For example, true freshman Isaiah Wilson might earn a starting role, even though he wasn’t an early enrollee. However, if he doesn’t earn a starting role, he will be one of the top backups with the kind of talent Smart won’t hesitate to throw into a game in a pinch.

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