Georgia Bulldogs breakout players to watch in Week 1 against Clemson as 2024 college football season kicks off

The Georgia Bulldogs kick off their 2024 college football season with the premier matchup of Week 1 against the Clemson Tigers. And while much of the 2023 roster returns there will certainly be a few key breakout stars who need to stand out in a huge way if Georgia wants to post their fourth consecutive undefeated regular season.

Who are those pivotal players? And what should fans expect from them in Week 1 as Georgia hopes to kick off their run towards the first 12-Team College Football Playoff?

Dillon Bell the Lead Wide Receiver?

Brock Bowers, Ladd McConkey, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, and Rara Thomas are all gone, which means several new faces are going to have to step up as receiving weapons for Carson Beck this season. Enter, Dillon Bell.

As a true freshman Bell snagged 20 receptions primarily on underneath routes, but last season Bell did everything for Georgia. He was a solid wide receiver, running back option (due to injuries), returner, and even threw a passing touchdown against Tennessee. And while for much of the season his receiving role was limited, Bell tallied 15 receptions for over 220 receiving yards in Georgia's final four games last season. Based on what Carson Beck has to say about him this fall we should expect much more of that this year.

"He's so versatile. He can be used as a weapon [at both running back and wide receiver]...There's so many things he does well. I'm super excited to watch him perform and make plays."

Dillon Bell should definitely lead all Georgia wide receivers in touches this season as perhaps Carson Beck's favorite target when it's all said and done. Dominic Lovett should still be the primary slot receiving option again this year. Arian Smith, Colbie Young, and London Humphreys should also make an impact at various points in the year. But it will be interesting to see how aggressively Bell's versatility is deployed against Clemson this week.

Trevor Etienne a Heisman Hopeful?

Just like the wide receiver room, there is nearly zero returning production from last season's Georgia team heading into 2024. Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton left for the NFL and performed admirably in the preseason. The team's third running back (in snaps) last year, Andrew Paul, transferred to Jacksonville State. And as of this week Roderick Robinson is going to be missing time as he recovers from surgery on his foot.

Thus, incoming Florida transfer Trevor Etienne is in line to handle the vast majority of backfield work for Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs this season. Yes, Branson Robinson is back seemingly recovered from his knee injury and Cash Jones will see some touches as well, but Etienne is a truly special talent that deserves a feature back role.

Through his first two collegiate seasons he already has over 1700 yards from scrimmage, averaging over six yards per touch. He's averaged nearly four yards after contact per rush throughout his career as one of the most elusive running backs in all of college football and he's just now entering his junior season. Expect a heavy dose of physical and elusive runs from Etienne as he sets the tone on offense against Clemson.

Jalon Walker as the Versatile Weapon

Most Georgia fans know Jalon Walker, but if this season goes like it should for him he'll be a household name by year's end. Last year Walker was pegged primarily in Georgia's defense as a high impact pass rusher as he made opposing offenses pay with a pass rush pressure rate over 20% (on par with first round edge rushers).

While yes, it's true, he did play off-ball linebacker as well, he barely played a third of his 2023 snaps as a "box" defender. Heading into 2024 it's clear he's going to be playing much more off-ball linebacker replacing the snaps that Jamon Dumas-Johnson left after his transfer to Kentucky. However, unlike Dumas-Johnson, the versatility that Walker brings as a pass rusher could make him the single most important defensive chess piece in Kirby Smart's defense this season.

Offenses won't know what defensive package to prepare for any time that Walker's standing on the field. He possesses the size to hold up in run defense and pass rush off the edge, but also has the mobility, strength, and range to play off-ball linebacker, and even big slot against tight ends if called upon. This former five star's athleticism and build makes him quite the unicorn. Don't be surprised if he's the defensive player of the game against Clemson this week, and perhaps the MVP on the year for Georgia.

Related: Clemson and Georgia not revealing anything ahead of premier matchup to kick off 2024 College Football season

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And check out Dillon Bell's incredible Tennessee game highlights from last season in the video below to get excited about his potential breakout year for Georgia this fall.