Five Georgia Bulldog Freshmen Who Could Impress In Spring Ball
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ATHENS - Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs have a chance to continue making college football history in 2023.
The quest for a three-peat.
The 2023 team will be quite different from last year’s championship team. No Stetson Bennett. No Todd Monken. No Kelee Ringo or Jalen Carter wreaking havoc on defense.
But at Georgia, when five stars leave, they’re replaced with more five-stars.
Georgia’s latest 2023 class ended as the 2nd-best class across the country, and it’s filled with talented playmakers hoping to make an early impact next fall.
With most of Georgia’s 2022 class already on campus, they’ll be participating in spring practice that will conclude at G-Day on April 15th.
Which incoming freshmen have a chance to see their stock rise this spring?
Let’s take a look...
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Joenel Aguero - Safety
The five-star defensive back out of St. John's Prep in Massachusetts is a hard-hitting safety who is coming Athens looking to play. A tough, physical defender with impressive closing speed, Aguero shows dependable hands in coverage and natural playmaking ability.
The Bulldogs have a star on their hands in safety Malaki Starks, and they have two other safeties looking to have a breakout season in David Daniel and JaCorey Thomas. They could use another dynamic safety step up and provide depth, and Aguero could be that guy if he comes into the spring ready to learn. The physical tolls are there. This spring is about learning as much as possible. IF he can, there’s a chance he could see the field early as a freshman in the fall.
Damon Wilson - EDGE
This one should be easy. The highest-ranked prospect in Georgia’s outstanding 2023 class according to the 247 Composite, Wilson is an elite pass-rusher off the EDGE who looks the part physically at 6-foot-4 230-pounds. He’s long, lean, and can beat opposing tackles in a number of different ways. He has a great blend of speed and strength, and his best football is still way ahead of him.
You can’t have too many pass-rushers, and that’s something Wilson brings to the table. The Bulldogs were looking for EDGE defenders who could help right away, and Wilson has a chance to make a real impression with a solid spring.
Returning EDGE Chaz Chambliss brings experience and a reliable pass rush to the position next season. Marvin Jones Jr has the opportunity to have a breakout season, but Wilson is still going to push him, as well as guys like CJ Madden and Darris Smith.
Raylen Wilson - Middle Linebacker
The Bulldogs are deep and talented at middle linebacker right now. You could make a strong case that they once again have the best middle linebacker room in college football. Smael Mondon and Jamon Dumas-Johnson are two of the top returning linebackers not only in the SEC, but across college football. Jalon Walker is coming off a fantastic freshman season in 2022 and will be tough to keep off the field.
Glenn Schumann still has EJ Lightsey, Xavian Sorey, and Rian Davis who can help inside. CJ Allen out of Lamar County is going to impressive folks as well this spring, but Raylen Wilson could be Georgia’s next Butkus Winner down the road. His combination of speed, toughness, natural instincts, and ability to cover make him someone who will be tough to keep off the field for very long. Glenn Schumann wanted Raylen Wilson from the very beginning, and there’s a good reason why. Look for Wilson to open some eyes this spring.
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Pearce Spurlin - Tight End
Like middle linebacker, the Bulldogs have an excellent tight end room in 2023, even while losing Darnell Washington to the NFL. Last year’s third-string tight end Oscar Delp will slide into the No. 2 role behind superstar Brock Bowers, but that third position will be up for grabs.
It will likely come down to the incoming freshmen, Pearce Spurlin and Lawson Luckie. Whilee both have very promising futures in Athens, Spurlins’ length, athleticism and natural ball skills might give him a slight edge. He’s a big target at 6-foot-6 240-pounds with impressive athleticism. A multi-sport star who also played baseball and lacrosse, Spurlin is a natural athlete who shined as a pass-catcher throughout high school. He was injured for almost the entirety of his senior season last fall, but as a junior, the South Walton (FL) standout caught 74 passes for 1,404 yards, and 20 touchdowns. With a promising spring, Spurlin has a real chance to play a role in the 2023 offense.
Tyler Williams - Wide Receiver
It’s going to be tough for any of the incoming freshmen receivers to see a lot of playing time in the fall, but Tyler Williams is one who can possibly turn some heads as a young player this spring. He has the size and toughness that it takes to make a strong early impression. The Lakeland (FL) standout didn’t light up the stat sheet during high school, but he did his job every play. He has no problem being a physical blocker on the perimeter. Williams just wants to win, and that’s a big reason why he came to Georgia. If he can prove he can consistently block while being a reliable pass-catcher, the 6-foot-3 200-pounder is going to put some pressure on the guys in front of him on the depth chart.