Which of Kirby Smart's Georgia Bulldogs Benefited Most from Spring Practices?
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ATHENS - Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs showed us the first true glimpse into what the 2023 Dawgs will look like beautiful April Saturday.
The 60,000 some-odd attendees were treated to multiple things. First, Uga XI, also known as Boom, was introduced as his legendary predecessor Que retired. Fans also reveled in cheering for recently departed players like Stetson Bennett, Darnell Washington and Nolan Smith as they showed off their championship bling. Oh, and by the way, they were treated to a competitive and well-played scrimmage.
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As a result of Kirby’s media lockdown, Saturday was the first true opportunity for those not in the “know” to watch position battles take place. Who amongst the three quarterbacks would play the best? What player or players were in line to fill Jalen Carter’s shoes? How well would the 21 early enrollees look playing against great returning players? And finally, does spring practice really even matter?
Based on what we saw Saturday, yeah, it matters. It certainly appeared to matter to Mehki Mews, who flashed speed and elusiveness each time he touched the ball. It mattered to other returning players who we as fans have come to expect greatness from as well. Xavien Sorey appeared to finally begin to fulfill his great potential, starting for the injured Smael Mondon. Christen Miller flashed multiple times, getting into the backfield frequently. The battle for the starting cornerback spot opposite Kamari Lassiter will continue, as both Nyland Green and Daylen Everette showed both good and bad during the scrimmage. Spring mattered to them.
Brock Bowers, Ladd McConkey and Sedric Van Pran-Granger all continued to show why they form the nucleus of leadership for this squad. Their play Saturday was a great example of what this program has become. Other returning players appeared to approach Saturday as another opportunity to prove why they should be starters. The returning starters definitely set the standard for competition and excellence for underclassmen to aspire.
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Speaking of new players - don’t tell me spring practice didn’t matter to the new faces on this team, either. CJ Allen and Sam M’Pemba both exhibited speed and toughness playing with the second team defense. Joenel Aguero showed why he was a highly prized recruit with several big hits and tight coverage. All three of those players will find their way on to the field in the 2023 season. Dominic Lovette looks like a player who can be a difference maker for the offense, along with Lawson Luckie who looks to continue the spectacular tight end play Georgia fans have grown to expect.
Spring practice seemed to really matter to the starting offensive line as pass protection was better than I expected. Replacing two starting tackles is never easy, but this squad seemed like they picked up where they left off in January. Both Earnest Green and Austin Blaske acquitted themselves well, and Amarius Mims looked rock solid on the right side. Those watching Saturday’s scrimmage should come away believing the offensive line will be a strength for this team.
Finally, spring practice definitely mattered for the quarterback battle. It mattered for Carson Beck who looked smooth and confident. He was clearly the better of the three quarterbacks who took snaps Saturday. Coming into G Day, the quarterback position was far and above the most important and talked about position battle. Beck appeared to have learned his ball security lesson, playing mistake-free throughout the scrimmage. The ball came out quickly and accurately as he seemed to be in complete control against the first team defense.
The bottom line is that yes, spring practice matters. Championship teams make every repetition, every drill matter. Focus was evident Saturday as both new and returning players competed like it was their last game. The team and coaching staff will no doubt use the scrimmage effort as a baseline for summer workouts and fall practice. We have learned over Kirby’s seven previous seasons that nothing will be overlooked, no matter how small the detail. We have learned that practice effort and growth are expected for every player regardless of recruit rankings or previous season’s production. And we have learned that players who cannot or will not adhere to that standard will be shown the door quickly. That standard includes making everything you do matter. This is the way.
