*Elijah Holyfield – Noteworthy
Georgia’s offense was hit with a four-player exodus of juniors to the NFL on Friday that took away the team’s top three receivers and second-leading rusher. Tailback Elijah Holyfield, tight end Isaac Nauta and wide receivers Riley Ridley and Mecole Hardman announced Friday they are skipping their senior seasons to enter the NFL draft. Holyfield, the son of former boxing champion Evander Holyfield, joined D’Andre Swift to give Georgia two 1,000-yard rushers for the second straight season. Holyfield ran for 1,018 yards with seven touchdowns. Holyfield said on his Twitter account he was grateful for the support from his teammates, coaches and Georgia fans. “I am humbled by the love you have given me during my time in Athens, and you all have ensured red and black will forever run through my veins,” Holyfield said. Coach Kirby Smart issued a statement in which he said: “We wish the best” to the four “as they pursue their careers at the next level. – AP College Football
*Isaac Nauta – Noteworthy
Georgia tight end Isaac Nauta says he is skipping his senior season to enter the NFL draft. Nauta was third on the team with 30 catches for 430 yards and three touchdowns this season. His top game of the season came against Florida, when he had five catches for 73 yards. Nauta announced his decision on his Twitter account on Friday. He says he made the decision to pursue his “life-long dream” of playing in the NFL after consulting with his family and coaches. Nauta is the first Georgia underclassman to declare for the draft. The school is awaiting decisions from other underclassmen including tailback Elijah Holyfield, wide receivers Riley Ridley and Mecole Hardman and defensive back J.R. Reed. – AP College Football
*Mecole Hardman – Noteworthy
Georgia’s offense was hit with a four-player exodus of juniors to the NFL on Friday that took away the team’s top three receivers and second-leading rusher. Tailback Elijah Holyfield, tight end Isaac Nauta and wide receivers Riley Ridley and Mecole Hardman announced Friday they are skipping their senior seasons to enter the NFL draft. Hardman had 34 catches for 532 yards and seven touchdowns. Nauta had 30 catches for 430 yards and three touchdowns. Nauta’s top game of the season came against Florida, when he had five catches for 73 yards. – AP College Football
*Riley Ridley – Noteworthy
Georgia wide receiver Riley Ridley and tight end Isaac Nauta are skipping their senior seasons to enter the NFL draft, taking away two of the Bulldogs’ top three receivers. Ridley and Nauta announced the decisions on Friday on their Twitter accounts. “I could not imagine any other program preparing me for the next stay the way this one has,” Ridley said, adding thanks for coach Kirby Smart and the coaching staff. Ridley, the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons rookie Calvin Ridley, led Georgia with 44 catches for 570 yards and nine touchdowns. He finished strong with five-catch games against Alabama in the Southeastern Conference championship game and against Texas in the Sugar Bowl. – AP College Football
Rodrigo Blankenship – Noteworthy
Georgia kicker Rodrigo Blankenship says he’ll be returning to the Bulldogs for his senior season. The specialist known for his thick glasses announced his decision on Twitter. He wrote, “I’m going to keep this short and sweet. Dawg Nation, I’M NOT GOING ANYWHERE.” Blankenship decided not to follow the lead set by four teammates. Wide receivers Riley Ridley and Mecole Hardman, running back Elijah Holyfield and tight end Isaac Nauta entered the NFL draft last week. Also, backup quarterback Justin Fields is expected to transfer. Underclassmen have until Jan. 14 to declare their plans. Blankenship took over the kicking job in 2016, earned a scholarship and developed into one of the nation’s most reliable weapons. This season, he connected on 19 of 23 field goals and all 65 extra points to finish with 122 points. – AP College Football