Godwin coming into his own
Radi Nabulsi
Terry Godwin stood in the slot on third down and was ready to be the offensive catalyst.
Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm found his suddenly-favorite target streaking down the field, and Godwin did the rest. The 5-foot-11 playmaker pointed himself towards the end zone, getting a key block from Riley Ridley before leaping over Samford defensive back Omari Williams to complete the 51-yard scoring play.
The play was key in the 42-14 victory over FCS foe Samford.
"I look at it as just trying to get in the end zone and put points on the board for my team," Godwin said. "I want to go that extra mile to help my team get that win."
Godwin finished the night with 98 yards and two touchdowns on four receptions. After Fromm connected with Javon Wims in the season opener, Godwin has emerged as one of the true freshman's go-to receivers.
Adding to his touchdown against the Fighting Irish, Godwin has hauled in three touchdowns on the young season. It ties a career-high that was set as a freshman in 2015, also marking the first time that the west Georgia product had recorded a multi-touchdown game.
Godwin also sees action on kick-and-punt return units, but he credits his offensive success to those around him.
"When our offensive line blocks and gives Jake Fromm time to give me and other receivers the ball, then I can go out and be the playmaker they want me to be," Godwin said.
The efforts of Godwin are pleasing to Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, who believes the junior wide receiver has made a significant leap from a season ago.
There were qualities that Godwin had shown to Smart and others recruiting him throughout his high-school days at Callaway, but they're now coming to fruition and results are showing."
"As frustrated as I was with his lack of physicality and practice effort, he has practiced so hard and blocked so well," Smart said. "He blocks bigger than he is and isn't afraid to stick his face in there. I didn't see enough of that last year, but now you see it and he's getting rewarded by catching the ball and making plays."
Georgia's other passing touchdown went to sophomore Mecole Hardman - his first since permanently making the move from defensive back in the offseason. Hardman is seen in a number of offensive and special teams packages, but crossing the pylon for the first time brought joy to the Bulldogs' sideline.
Smart, however, isn't ready to gush over the young playmaker. While he also sees improvement, Smart rattled off a number of areas where it hasn't yet clicked for Hardman. One of which includes being able to "catch the ball," after the receiver has narrowly missed multiple opportunities against Notre Dame and Samford.
"I'm so happy that kid finally got in the end zone," Smart said. "He works his butt off in practice and in the weight room. To see him get his first touchdown, it put a smile on everybody's face. I look at him like a little brother, and for the years to come, he'll be a great player."
