This article was originally published with 247 Sports on August 14, 2015 and can be found here.

The beginning of anything is quite a challenge. Face off with some of the best players in the country for the first time and, well, it’s hard to imagine what goes through the minds of a group of 18-and-19-year-olds.

The start of camp for 2015 gave the newest class of Georgia defensive players a huge hurdle to climb. They had no choice but to be ready from the start, but there was time for only so much preparation.

Freshman defensive lineman Trent Thompson admits he wasn’t fully prepared for the tremendous challenge.

“It was a lot of running,” Thompson said. “It was something different. I wasn’t used to that many [practice] periods before.”

The freshmen defenders were taxed on the first day, but they understood the importance of camp. It is imperative they survive and thrive among Georgia’s top talent.

Luckily for these young men, Georgia’s upperclassmen on defense have helped in the transition.

The outreach from seniors was something several of the freshmen were excited to talk about. It involved a number of areas in the game, including things as simple as how to line up or the assignment on a particular play. This provides an underrated advantage for the Bulldogs.

A player’s willingness to help out causes the other person to replicate that feat, which helps the whole team grow closer. It dispelled the stereotype of older classes that pick on and punish the newest kids in town. The efforts also prevent sections breaking off between players based on year, position or anything else.

“It’s a grind,” Thompson said. “The whole team’s got to be together, not just the freshmen. It’s the whole team.”

One of the hardest parts of the transition to Georgia is playing under defensive coordinatorJeremy Pruitt. Pruitt is noted as a perfectionist who expects the most of his players each and every play. The star power the Bulldogs’ players had in high school was undeniable, but it means nothing to their new defensive coordinator.

Pruitt’s push towards perfection is a monumental challenge. However, his youngest players recognize what his demanding nature is all about.

“He does a great job of being able to help players dig deep inside and let them know how great they can really be,” defensive back Rico McGraw said. “He does a great job of getting the best out of everybody. He just wants the best for us. He takes it personally when we don’t reach our goals.”

The defense’s newest batch of players are still a long way from stardom. Coaches are continuing to evaluate players and determine who fits where. That means discussions about redshirts among the new freshmen are approaching. Talk for the group’s ability really shouldn’t even heat up until Camp No. 1 is officially over.

That’s not hindering their potential at all. Some believe the past year’s recruiting class can be the foundation of something worthwhile for Georgia.

Juwuan Briscoe smiled and chose his words carefully when asked about his class. But he couldn’t hide how good he believes this group of Baby Bulldogs can be.

“It’s going to be special,”Briscoe said. “That’s all I’ll say.”