Georgia shows strength with release of Nagurski, Outland watch lists
A pair Football Writers Association of America watch lists were released on Tuesday with the Nagurski Trophy and Outland Trophy both announcing 75 names to know in the preseason. Not surprisingly, Georgia was well represented on each, leading the way for the Outland representatives with four while placing an SEC-best three on the Nagurski list.
Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks was a finalist for the Nagurski Trophy last season, watching as Xavier Watts (Notre Dame) took the award home. Starks, who enters 2024 with 28 career starts, five interceptions and a total of 120 tackles, is once again on the list but will have to beat out Watts, who returns for his fifth year.
Linebacker Smael Mondon and defensive lineman Mykel Williams are also on the list alongside Starks as the pair key pieces of the defense the past two seasons are back for more. Mondon, despite missing two games, led the team in tackles in 2022 while it was Williams, a true freshman at the time, that had a team-high total in sacks that season. Both had big expectations and didn’t quite reach them in 2023, however have the ability to meet them and be among the Bulldogs’ best this year.
As for the Outland, Georgia lands four representatives on the watch list with the most in the nation ahead of Alabama, Ohio State and USC – each of whom come in with three. Bulldogs to make the cut include defensive tackle Nazir Stackhouse, offensive guards Dylan Fairchild and Tate Ratledge and offensive tackle Xavier Truss.
Stackhouse started all 14 games last season, being named a Second-Team All-SEC selection by both the AP and the Coaches. On the offensive side, Ratledge and Truss were in the starting lineup from day one and have been there multiple seasons. Fairchild stepped up in a big way after an injury moved Truss out from guard to tackle, allowing Fairchild to gain key experience that should help him and Georgia this fall.
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Georgia kicks off its 2024 season on August 31st against Clemson with a battle between ACC and SEC favorites in Atlanta. The Bulldogs open fall camp this week and are expected to be named the preseason top-ranked team when the AP and Coaches polls are released.
UPCOMING WATCH LIST ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wed., July 31: Paycom Jim Thorpe Award
Thu., Aug. 1: Paul Hornung Award/Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
Fri., Aug. 2: Lou Groza Award/Ray Guy Award
Mon., Aug. 5: Walter Camp Award
Tue., Aug. 6: Doak Walker Award
Wed., Aug. 7: Biletnikoff Award
Thu., Aug. 8: Davey O’Brien Award
Fri., Aug. 9: Mackey Award/Rimington Trophy
Mon., Aug. 12: Bednarik Award
Tue., Aug. 13: Butkus Award
