The Georgia Bulldogs kicked off their football season in impressive fashion, defeating Tennessee State 63-3 in their home opener. Among the standout performances were contributions from several recent graduates from the Athens area, highlighting the local talent on the national stage.
One of the notable players was sophomore wide receiver Landon Roldan from North Oconee, who made his presence felt early in the game. Roldan caught the first pass of the match, a 17-yard completion from graduate quarterback Gunner Stockton. He also added a 4-yard carry, contributing to the Bulldogs' offensive onslaught.
Another Athens-area player, sophomore quarterback Hezekiah Millender from Clarke Central, also made a mark during the game. Millender completed a single pass for 17 yards to freshman wide receiver Dallas Dickerson, who hails from North Oconee. This connection demonstrated the depth of talent available to Georgia's coaching staff as they look to build a strong squad this season.
Defensively, freshman outside linebacker Khamari Brooks, also from North Oconee, showcased his skills with three total tackles, including one solo stop. He received assistance from sophomore defensive lineman JJ Hanne and sophomore inside linebacker Zayden Walker, who contributed to the defensive efforts. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart acknowledged the need for growth among the younger players, stating, "They’ve got to grow up. They just played Tennessee State. They didn’t play an SEC opponent. They’ve got to get better because we need them better like, yesterday." This reflects the high expectations set for the team as they navigate through the season.
While some Athens-area players, including senior safety Khalil Barnes from North Oconee, sophomore quarterback Jake Bobo from Prince Avenue Christian, sophomore wide receiver Brody Tolbert from Prince Avenue Christian, and freshman defensive lineman AJ Lonon Jr. from Clarke Central, did not see any playing time, their presence on the roster indicates the depth and competitiveness within the Georgia Bulldogs program.
With this victory, Georgia begins the season with a record of 1-0 and will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Western Kentucky in their next matchup. The game is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, with kickoff set for 12:45 p.m. on the SEC Network. The Bulldogs will aim to continue their strong performance and solidify their position as a contender in the college football landscape.
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