Sports
Sports

6 players in national championship game you could see in the NFL

Roquan Smith, linebacker, Georgia: He’s quick, powerful and always seems aware of where the ball is. Minkah Fitzpatrick, defensive back, Alabama: He’s listed as a strong safety, but has logged time at free safety, cornerback and even linebacker in some packages. Calvin Ridley, wide receiver, Alabama: While no other Tide receiver had more than 16 catches, Ridley had 59 for 935 yards. Sony Michel, running back, Georgia: A threat is open space and pass game. Da’Ron Payne, defensive lineman, Alabama: Th
By
Jan 3, 2018

Georgia and Alabama are loaded with NFL-caliber talent.

Kirby Smart has assembled a defense at Georgia reminiscent of his old Alabama teams. Nick Saban’s group, as usual, is stocked with five stars and future first round picks.

Georgia and Alabama square off Monday, Jan. 8, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to decide the College Football Playoff champion.

These are six names you hear plenty of Monday, and on Sundays to come.

About the Author

Gabriel Burns is a general assignment reporter and features writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After four years on the Braves beat, he's expanded his horizons and covers all sports. You'll find him writing about MLB, NFL, NBA, college football and other Atlanta-centric happenings.

Follow Gabriel Burns on facebookFollow Gabriel Burns on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Georgia Southern accepted a berth to the Birmingham Bowl, but it is still awaiting an opponent. According to reports, no one has accepted an invitation yet. (Sarah Peacock for the AJC)

Credit: Sarah Peacock

After delay, Georgia Southern reportedly knows its Birmingham Bowl opponent

Sun Belt rivals Georgia Southern and App State will play in the Birmingham Bowl, ccording to Brett McMurphy of On3.

Kennesaw State learns bowl fate, QB gets wish of ‘someplace warm’

Kennesaw State will take on Western Michigan in the Myrtle Beach Bowl on Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. It is the program's first-ever bowl game in just its second season in FBS.

Kennesaw State rolls to third straight win over rival Georgia State

Kennesaw State won its third game in a row, this time against in-state rival Georgia State, 92-69. It was the Owls' third straight win.

The Latest

Georgia Southern accepted a berth to the Birmingham Bowl, but it is still awaiting an opponent. According to reports, no one has accepted an invitation yet. (Sarah Peacock for the AJC)

Credit: Sarah Peacock

After delay, Georgia Southern reportedly knows its Birmingham Bowl opponent

Kennesaw State learns bowl fate, QB gets wish of ‘someplace warm’

Kennesaw State rolls to third straight win over rival Georgia State

Featured

Fans celebrate in the stands after Cape Verde defeated Eswatini in a World Cup qualifying soccer match at Estádio Nacional in Praia, Cape Verde, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, to clinch their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. (Cristiano Barbosa/AP)

Credit: AP

A tiny nation qualified for its first World Cup. Cape Verde has fans here

Cape Verde, competing in its first World Cup, will take on the world's No. 1 team in Spain at 12 p.m. on June 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Georgia’s special ed program promised help. Families say it delivered them harm.

Georgia subdues a nemesis in rolling past Crimson Tide for SEC championship

Georgia notched its best win of the season at the perfect time, finally vanquishing Alabama in Atlanta and taking home the SEC Championship for the second straight year.