It's a family thing for the Bullards

Image of James and Shonda Bullard captured by Marvin James, WMAZ Macon / image of Javon Bullard, pictured celebrating after last week's Orange Bowl victory, captured by Tony Walsh, University of Georgia Sports Information Department

WMAZ/Channel 13's Marvin James recently was in town, interviewing James and Shonda Bullard, the parents of Georgia Bulldogs freshman defensive back Javon Bullard.

Javon Bullard, of course, currently is chasing a national championship ring alongside his teammates, who will square off with Alabama on Monday night for all the glory. The proud parents told WMAZ that they've been to every Dawg game this season except for one. WMAZ's news piece on the Bullards can be viewed immediately below...

Bullard, who graduated from Baldwin High in December 2020 and has been on campus in Athens since January 2021, got in on four plays at nickel back of the Orange Bowl victory against Michigan, while also appearing on special teams. Bullard has appeared in every game this season with the exception of the Tennessee game, playing primarily on special teams. 

He saw extensive action at nickelback during the second half of several games this season, including the Georgia Charleston game, when he led the Dawgs in tackles. According to NCAA rules, a true freshman is allowed to play in four games without losing their redshirt. Bullard has appeared in 13 games, which means that he'll be a sophomore next season.

Dawgs247 beat writer Jake Rowe recently ranked the 20 members of Georgia's true freshman class "based on 2021 impact," and Bullard came in at No. 3 on the list. Wrote Rowe:

There are freshmen who appeared in more games but none of the other defensive guys were as close to starting as Bullard. He appeared in 12 of 13 games and saw some meaningful snaps in those contests. He was the recipient of regular praise from Kirby Smart, who seems to have high hopes for the Milledgeville native. Bullard has yet to break up a pass or take a man down behind the line of scrimmage but he has piled up 12 total tackles on the year. He's worth keeping an eye on during bowl preparations as the UGA staff will conduct a few, if not several, camp-style practices to evaluate how much the young players have grown. Don't be surprised if he's more of a factor in the playoffs.

Javon Bullard lines up in the secondary against Alabama in last month's SEC Championship Game in Atlanta. // Photo by Tony Walsh, University of Georgia Sports Information Department

Javon Bullard celebrates with the fans following Georgia's Orange Bowl victory over Michigan last week.  // Photo by Tony Walsh, University of Georgia Sports Information Department

When Bullard inked his scholarship after his senior year, he became the first Milledgeville guy to sign with UGA out of high school in roughly 35 years. When Bullard got on the field against Clemson earlier this season, he became the first Milledgeville guy to get in a game for Georgia since J.T. Wall in 2002.

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