Each year the names of athletes that astound and endear us with incredible feats in every genre of Georgia athletics become embedded in our minds. We are amazed at their overwhelming hard work and talent. They become role models because of the grace and ease with which they represent the University on the fields of glory. As the fall semester approaches and headlines of athletic acheivements follow. These 10 athletes will be faces to watch for this year.

1 Quincy Carter — Many people may already be familiar with last year’s Heisman candidate. One of the early questions for Georgia’s 2000 team was answered in December, when the quarterback elected to remain at Georgia for his junior season. While the hype is substantially less for No. 17 this time around, he is poised to lead the Dogs in a fight for the SEC east title.

2 D.A. Layne — As June’s NBA draft drew close, it looked as though men’s basketball coach Jim Harrick might lose the sophomore guard who recently contemplated an early pro career. Fortunately for Bulldog fans, Layne — the team’s leading scorer — will return to Athens, instantly making next year’s squad a lot better.

3 Tawana McDonald — T-Mac, a dominant power forward, has potential to surpass Lady Bulldog legends such as Katrina McClain. The junior’s play in the paint will be a key to Andy Landers’ team’s journey down the road to the Final Four and an elusive national title.

4 Kristi Lichey — After being thrust into the gymnastics spotlight the moment she arrived in Athens, Lichey became accustomed to high expectations. Following in the steps of her talented sister Karin, Kristi has lived up to everyone’s hopes, posting the highest average for the Gym Dogs last season. Lichey, a senior, will lead a struggle to regain the national championship.

5Eric Compton — In only his first competitive golf season at Georgia, Compton set a school record for low score in a tournament, won the Golf World Invitational, reached a top-20 spot in the NCAA individual rankings and helped the Bulldogs to a final national team finish of No. 4. Along with senior Nick Cassini, Compton will lead what should be a very strong lineup.

6 Richard Seymour — This senior defensive lineman has been named to nearly every summer preseason All-SEC team selected, with even some All-America distinctions in there. Last year’s Bulldog defense was dead last in the SEC. As one of the unit’s leaders, Seymour must step up for Georgia to have a chance at the SEC crown.

7 Lori Grey — This sophomore sensation was a major contributor to the Lady Dogs’ NCAA crown this summer. A recent winner of the Junior Sportsmanship Award, Grey must step into a leadership position as Georgia looks to defend its title after losing four seniors to graduation.

8 Laura Henderson — Fresh off winning the Ontario Ladies Amateur Championship, women’s golfer Henderson steps into the lead role left vacant by the graduated Shauna Estes. Joined by new coach Todd McCorckle and a healthy Reilly Rankin, Henderson could raise a lot of eyebrows this year.

9 Nicole Williams — With a new coach, new assistants and a crop of young players, this year’s edition of Georgia women’s soccer team will feature its share of changes. However, one constant will be Williams, a senior goalie who is set to do great things this fall.

10 Stacey Buerger — Spiking and digging sounds like a job duty of a railroad worker. However, junior Buerger gets her digs in the volleyball arena. One of the top performers in the SEC, Buerger will look to make new coach Mary Buczek’s first year a successful one.