It’s not a secret that UGA sends a lot of players to the NFL. In fact, 56 players have left Athens to play on Sundays over the past 10 years, fourth-most of any program during that span.
Although they may not play between the hedges anymore, fans still feel a sense of pride when a former Bulldog leads their team to a victory at football’s highest level. During the 2015 NFL season, we will track the top performances from former UGA players each week.
These Dawgs of years past had the best games in Week 5:
Todd Gurley, RB – In his first two game of actually being involved in the St. Louis Rams’ offense, Gurley has emerged as a star. UGA fans are used to seeing the running back rip off long runs with ease, but Gurley is making the NFL take notice. On Saturday, he carried the ball 30 times for 159 yards, including a 55-yard run.
Geno Atkins, DT – Atkins continues his return to dominant form this season. The Cincinnati defensive tackle racked up four tackles and earned his fourth sack of the season in Saturday’s overtime win against Seattle.
David Andrews, OL – Undrafted in this year’s draft, Andrews is the only offensive player to play every snap for the New England Patriots this season. A steady offensive lineman while at UGA, Andrews has made a big impression during his short time in the NFL.
Jarvis Jones, LB – On Monday night, Jones had possibly his best game so far this season. The Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker earned five tackles and his first sack of the season while also forcing a fumble. Jones hasn’t looked like the dominant defender he was at UGA, but he showed glimpses of that on Monday.
Benjamin Watson, TE – Watson caught 3 passes for 36 yards and scored his first touchdown of the season in the New Orleans Saints’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Drew Butler, P – The former UGA punter had a busy game in Week 5 for the Arizona Cardinals against the Detroit Lions. Butler had six punts for an average of 37.8 yards, but nailed a punt for a season-high 49 yards.