Top 10 Georgia Bulldogs Football Players of All Time

10. Thomas Davis (LB/S, 2002–2004)

• Why he makes the list: A ferocious hybrid defender, Davis played both safety and linebacker and was the heart of Georgia’s defense during Mark Richt’s early 2000s SEC runs. His versatility, speed, and bone-crunching hits made him one of the most feared defenders in college football.

• Key Stats & Honors:

  • First-Team All-American (2004)

  • 272 career tackles, 10.5 sacks, 3 INTs

  • 14-year NFL career and 3× Pro Bowler

Thomas Davis Hits

9. Hines Ward (WR/QB/RB, 1994–1997)

• Why he makes the list: One of the most versatile offensive weapons in UGA history, Ward played quarterback, running back, and wide receiver. His intelligence and toughness were unmatched.

• Key Stats & Honors:

  • 3,870 total yards (passing, rushing, receiving)

  • Played in 3 different positions in a single game

  • Went on to become a Super Bowl MVP with the Steelers

ESPN showing highlights of Hines Ward playing QB at Georgia vs Georgia Tech 1995

8. David Pollack (DE, 2001–2004)

• Why he makes the list: Arguably the most dominant defensive lineman in Georgia history, Pollack was a relentless pass rusher and leader of the Bulldogs’ early 2000s resurgence.

• Key Stats & Honors:

  • 3× First-Team All-American

  • SEC Defensive Player of the Year (twice)

  • 36 career sacks (school record)

David Pollack Georgia Career

7. Jake Scott (S, 1967–1968)

• Why he makes the list: Though he only played two seasons in Athens, Scott was a turnover machine and one of the most instinctive safeties in college football history.

• Key Stats & Honors:

  • 16 interceptions in 2 seasons

  • SEC Champion (1968)

  • NFL Super Bowl MVP with the Dolphins

Great Scott, It’s Jake! – Jake Scott Career Highlights

6. Champ Bailey (CB/WR/KR, 1996–1998)

• Why he makes the list: Bailey was a three-way star for Georgia—starting at cornerback, wide receiver, and returning kicks. His 1998 season is one of the most complete in school history.

• Key Stats & Honors:

  • 1998 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner

  • 1,000+ total yards in all-purpose role (1998)

  • Consensus All-American (1998)

Champ Bailey | Georgia Highlights

5. Roquan Smith (LB, 2015–2017)

• Why he makes the list: The anchor of Kirby Smart’s 2017 SEC Championship team, Smith was the most dominant linebacker in college football that season. His sideline-to-sideline speed and IQ were elite.

• Key Stats & Honors:

  • Butkus Award Winner (2017)

  • 137 tackles, 6.5 sacks (2017)

  • Led UGA to a National Championship appearance

Best LB in College Football || Georgia LB Roquan Smith 2017 Highlights ᴴᴰ

4. Charley Trippi (RB/QB/DB, 1942, 1945–46)

• Why he makes the list: A true “do-it-all” player, Trippi starred on offense, defense, and special teams. He led Georgia to a national title in 1942 and returned from WWII to win the SEC in 1946.

• Key Stats & Honors:

  • SEC Player of the Year (1946)

  • Maxwell Award winner

  • College and Pro Football Hall of Famer

‘Dream Backfield’s’ versatile leader: Charley Trippi 1921-2022 | Pro Football Hall of Fame

3. Frank Sinkwich (RB/QB, 1940–1942)

• Why he makes the list: Georgia’s first Heisman Trophy winner, Sinkwich was the engine behind the Bulldogs’ 1942 national championship. His toughness and two-way ability were legendary.

• Key Stats & Honors:

  • Heisman Trophy Winner (1942)

  • 30 career rushing TDs, 2,331 passing yards

  • Led UGA to 11–1 season and Rose Bowl win

Chapter 8- The Story of Frank Sinkwich

2. David Greene (QB, 2001–2004)

• Why he makes the list: While he doesn’t have the flashiest stats, Greene won more games (42) than any QB in college football history at the time. He was a steady, clutch leader during UGA’s early 2000s rebirth.

• Key Stats & Honors:

  • 42–10 career record

  • SEC Champion (2002), Sugar Bowl MVP

  • School record 11,528 passing yards (until surpassed)

David Greene to Terrence Edwards TD

1. Herschel Walker (RB, 1980–1982)

• Why he tops the list: Quite simply, Herschel Walker is the most iconic player in Georgia history and arguably the greatest college football player ever. A powerhouse runner with track speed, Walker’s dominance was unmatched.

• Key Stats & Honors:

  • Heisman Trophy Winner (1982)

  • 5,259 rushing yards, 49 TDs in 3 seasons

  • Led Georgia to National Championship (1980)

  • 3× Consensus All-American

Classic Tailback – Herschel Walker Georgia Highlights

🏆 Honorable Mentions:

• Nick Chubb – 2nd all-time in rushing yards at UGA

• Terry Hoage – Defensive back with 13 INTs in 1982–83

• Garrison Hearst – Doak Walker Award winner (1992)

• Matthew Stafford – Rocket-armed QB with No. 1 overall NFL pick pedigree

• A.J. Green – One of the most gifted receivers in SEC history