Georgia Bulldog Spring Practice Breakdown: Top Storylines To Know
Real Georgia Fans Don’t Miss the Dawg Post Newsletter - Sign up now!
ATHENS - Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs will hold their first spring practice of 2023 on Tuesday, hoping this is the start of three-peat and the beginning of a college football dynasty.
What are the big storylines heading into spring practice? Let’s take a look...
QUARTERBACK
This is an easy one. There’s no Stetson Bennett returning for 2023, but Georgia’s QB room still might be the deepest and most talented in the country. Last year’s backup, former four-star Carson Beck, appears to be the clear front-runner heading into the spring. The Jacksonville native had a great 2022 season behind Bennett - going 26 for 35 through the air for 310 yards and four touchdowns. This will be his fourth season in Athens, and it’s finally his turn to take the reins.
Who will emerge as the No.2? Will Brock Vandagriff hold off Gunner Stockton? Will each take a step forward this spring? That’s what we’ll keep an eye on over the next several weeks.
The Georgia Bulldogs go Back to Back!
Reserve Your Copy of DOUBLE DAWGS NOW!
***Follow Us On Twitter and Instagram***
Twitter:
IG:
LEFT TACKLE
Broderick Jones is off to the NFL, so the Bulldogs will need a new starting left tackle in 2023.
As good as sophomore Amarius Mims was at right tackle last year, especially towards the end of the season, his size, strength, length, and athleticism could allow him to move to the left side. He has all the tools to be the next great Bulldog tackle, so it’s easy to see why he’s an easy candidate to take over for Jones.
Sources say Earnest Greene III has been turning heads since he arrived to Athens last year, so he’s one to keep a close eye on as well. If he shows he can handle the left side on a consistent basis, there’s a chance Georgia keeps Mims on the right side where he should dominate once again.
A dark horse in the race is red-shirt sophomore Austin Blaske, arguable Georgia’s most versatile lineman.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
Nolan Smith and Robert Beal are both off to the NFL. Who steps up to replace them?
Chaz Chambliss brings experience and production to the outside linebacker spot, and he’ll be entering his third season with the program this fall. He’s a candidate to earn a starting position and make a big impact in 2023.
Marvin Jones Jr. is a long, athletic pass-rusher with sky-high potential. Unfortunately, Jones Jr will be out the entire spring.
Will Xavian Sorey move to the outside? Will Darris Smith take the next step in his progression? Playing time is up for grabs here this spring.
GEORGIA BASEBALL RETRO SNAPBACK CAP
You Can't Find This Anywhere Else!
CORNERBACK
Who replaces Kelee Ringo this spring?
Kamari Lassiter has one cornerback position locked down, but the other spot is up for grabs.
Is now the time for Nyland Green? The former four-star from the 2021 class needs to start seeing the field soon, but freshman Daylen Everette will be hard to keep off the field. Both bring plenty of length and ball skills, but right now it appears that Everette is in the best position to land the job heeading into the spring.
Safety
All-American Chris Smith will be drafted into the NFL next month. Malaki Starks has one starting safety spot locked down, and Javon Bullard has All-American potential at the STAR position.
So who could win the other safety job?
Sophomore David Daniel-Sisavanh is a hard-hitting defender who played in 14 games last year and made 14 tackles. This could be his turn to shine.
Sources say safety JaCorey Thomas also progressed more and more as the season went along last year. Those two appear to be the two to watch this spring.