ATHENS — While the Bulldogs have not had a clear standout best player this season, there is still ample talent among the No. 2-seeded College Football Playoff team.
But who on Georgia’s loaded roster has been the most valuable? The Bulldogs have had a number of players step up and make big plays during the 2024 season, as Georgia has big wins against Clemson, Texas and Tennessee.
The AJC and DawgNation staffs put forth their best answers on the subject, but there was not a unanimous answer. It was split between a game-wrecking pass rusher and a running back who has been at his best in Georgia’s two biggest games of the season.
Who has been the Georgia football MVP this season?
Gabe Burns, AJC staff writer
- Pick: Jalon Walker
- Why: Walker’s versatility is a creative defensive coordinator’s dream. Georgia has deployed him at inside linebacker and edge rusher, allowing him to affect the game from multiple spots. And Walker has proven to have legitimate pass-rushing chops that’ll make him a first-round pick this spring. Walker was especially a wrecking ball against Texas, collecting three sacks as Georgia built its first-half advantage in Austin (his closing speed in that game was eye-popping). He’s also a respected leader and Smart constantly raves about his character. Walker embodies the type of player that Georgia wants leading its program.
Brandon Adams, DawgNation Daily host
- Pick: Jalon Walker
- Why: This has been an inconsistent season for UGA, but the one constant in its best performances has been the play of Walker, who also helped the Bulldogs maintain their presence on the national awards scene when he brought home the Butkus Award earlier this month.
Mike Griffith, DawgNation staff writer
- Pick: Jalon Walker
- Why: Good case for Carson Beck, but the defense’s improved play as the season has progressed has made Georgia a championship contender and keyed both wins over Texas, the most recently earning UGA an all-important bye on the friendly side of the bracket.
Kaylee Mansell, DawgNation staff
- Pick: Jalon Walker
- Why: Among a team full of decent but not elite players, one player stood out amongst the rest. That was Walker. In times when big plays were needed, it always seemed to be Walker who stepped up. His performances also gained him national recognition and improved his draft stock immensely.
Connor Riley, DawgNation staff writer
- Pick: Trevor Etienne
- Why: Etienne has missed four games this season, with three due to injury and another because of a suspension. But in Georgia’s two biggest wins, Etienne has every single offensive touchdown for the Bulldogs. He’s played hurt and played big for Georgia in its biggest games. I wouldn’t argue for him as Georgia’s best player — that is Walker — but his value to this team is evident.
Jeff Sentell, DawgNation recruiting expert
- Pick: Trevor Etienne
- Why: This isn’t a nod to the most talented player. It is the Dawg who has been the most valuable to the season. Etienne’s 35 carries, 181 yards and five TDs loomed large in the prettiest wins of the season against Texas. The team’s leading scorer has missed four games and the Bulldogs haven’t been the same without him. Etienne has averaged 87 yards per contest and scored seven times in the four outings he’s gotten at least 15 carries.
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