Georgia Bulldogs G Day: What to Watch For
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ATHENS - After a long, tortuous three-month period, the Georgia Bulldogs return Saturday. G Day gives fans and upcoming opponents an opportunity to view the next installation of the soul-crushing machine that is Kirby Smart’s program
There are two sides to this coin, though. First, we get to watch the Dawgs in Sanford Stadium and revel in its unique environment. But, G Day will also mark the beginning of a torturous 4 and half month journey before we’ll see the Dawgs again.
After 14 practices, G Day represents the final allotted spring practice period. Most sports outlets that cover Georgia have focused almost exclusively on the quarterback battle between Carson Beck, Brock Vandagriff and to a lesser extent Gunner Stockton. Deservedly so, I might add. Figuring out who replaces the departed Stetson Bennett, however, will more than likely extend into fall practice or even into the early parts of the season. While I’ll definitely be watching how each of the quarterbacks look Saturday, I know the final answer won’t come as a result of that scrimmage.
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Specifically, I’ll be watching three areas. The first two are position groups that Kirby Smart has mentioned as being “young” - wide receivers and outside linebackers. Starting with the receiving corps, Georgia boasts a potentially game-changing group. Returnees like Ladd McConkey, Arian Smith, and Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint all have proven ability to make plays. Georgia also brought in five new additions – 3 recruits and 2 transfers – that have the potential to be game changers. We saw the surprising ascension of AD Mitchell two spring games ago. While his loss to Texas via the transfer portal will hurt, which new pass catcher will raise eyebrows Saturday? Or, will a returning player who’s used the offseason conditioning period and a month’s worth of practices take that next big step? I’ll be watching both Dillon Bell and Tyler Williams Saturday to see if they can be the next AD Mitchell.
The second of this young group is the outside linebacking corps. Nolan Smith and Robert Beal have both gone to the NFL. Chaz Chambliss is the only returning player with extensive playing time. The Dawgs are also missing Marvin Jones and Jalon Walker this spring due to injuries requiring surgery. So, which one of the newly arrived freshman can take advantage of the opportunity presented by a thin depth chart? CJ Madden and Darris Smith have reportedly shown flashes this spring, and Sam M’Pemba has the frame and speed to be a difference maker once he learns the position and requirements of playing in the Georgia defense. Damon Wilson and Gabriel Harris were prized recruits with size and speed. How these young players fare against a talented offensive line will perhaps provide a glimpse into what this position group can be this fall.
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Finally, I’m watching the secondary. With two starters off to the NFL in Kelee Ringo and Chris Smith, the battle to fill those roles will also likely continue into fall practice. It appears Javon Bullard will slide into Smith’s departed role at safety, while there are several candidates to fill the other cornerback position opposite Kamari Lassiter. Daylen Everette and Nyland Green seem to have the inside track according to practice reports. Further, if Bullard does move to safety, the STAR position is also one to watch Saturday. Between Tykee Smith and Smoke Bouie Georgia seems well positioned to continue to field good, if not great, secondaries. I’m also excited to watch Joenel Aguero and the other young additions to what could evolve into the best secondary in the nation.
Ok, so there’s really four things I’m watching for Saturday. Uga X (Que) will hand over responsibility to Boom, or Uga XI, prior to kickoff. Que was the winningest mascot in Georgia history at 91-18, including two national championships. As Que retires to a life we’d all be jealous of, the 10 month old Boom takes the collar at a time when the Georgia football program is at the pinnacle of the sport. My hope is that the youthful, playful new mascot brings that same energy to his incredibly important role as the most recognizable image in the game today. New blood means new opportunity, whether it’s the mascot or an outside linebacker. And new blood starts flowing Saturday.