Georgia wrapped up spring practices this week ahead of Saturday’s annual G-Day scrimmage at Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs will split up into two teams – Red and Black – for their final scrimmage of the spring.
Below are a few storylines to watch for as Georgia wraps up its spring practice session at Sanford Stadium:
Carson Beck’s chemistry with his TEs, WRs
Georgia returns quarterback Carson Beck, but two of his favorite pass catchers – Ladd McConkey and Brock Bowers – moved on to the NFL. The Bulldogs also lost Marcus Rosmey-Jacksaint to the NFL Draft.
McConkey, Bowers, and Rosemy-Jacksaint combined to catch 120 passes for 1,727 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns last season. So, Georgia and Beck have to replace that offensive production heading into next year.
The Bulldogs return wide receivers Rara Thomas and Dominic Lovett, plus tight end Oscar Delp. Thomas, Lovett, and Delp all contributed to the offense’s success last season but need to step up more in 2024.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart knows Beck has to develop chemistry with his receivers and tight ends.
“It’s a work in progress, it’s not where it needs to be,” Smart said of that chemistry. “I would say that he’s comfortable with guys he’s thrown to the most and we’re trying to force the issue with the guys he hasn’t. Some of their reps come with the ones, and some of the reps come with the twos. Right now, it’s not just getting them comfortable with Carson, it’s getting them comfortable with the offense.
“I put them where Rara and Dom were last year, and Rara and Dom this time last year were probably ahead of where those guys are in terms of growth and implementation into the offense. They’ve got to continue to grow and get better.”
Georgia brought in three transfer receivers – Michael Jackson III, Colbie Young, and London Humphreys. The Bulldogs also brought in tight end Benjamin Yurosek from the portal with Pearce Spurlin deciding to medically retire. Those four will help with the depth at both wide receiver and tight end during the 2024 season.
Replacing key pieces on the OL
Georgia lost two huge components of its offensive line in the offseason with center Sedrick Van Pran and tackle Amarius Mims moving on. However, the Bulldogs recruit well and have a few replacements in mind.
Jared Wilson has made strides at center, and Smart has raved about the 6-foot-3, 310-pound offensive lineman.
“When you talk about athleticism at the center position, (Wilson) runs faster than a lot of our defensive backs, believe it or not, our tight ends, our quarterbacks,” Smart said. “His numbers are extremely athletics, over 300 pounds, can get to the second level as quick as anybody.”
Wilson played in 13 games last season behind Van Pran, and has experience, but just hasn’t made a start yet.
The right tackle position on Georgia’s offensive line was occupied by Mims the last few seasons. But Mims was injured for the majority of last season, so a few other players rotated at his spot last year when he was out.
Earnest Greene III, Monroe Freeling, Micah Morris, and Xavier Truss are a few guys who could fill that position.
Either way, Smart knows he has depth on the offensive line and enjoys the cohesiveness of the unit.
“We have a very experienced group, outside of the center, we have a lot of guys that have taken snaps,” Smart said. “... So, I love the fact that they’re a tight-knit unit. They’re physical, they enjoy practice, they celebrate together, they eat together. You hang your run game and the production of your quarterback on your offensive line, which we’ve been pretty consistent at.”
Progression of the DL
Last season, the narrative surrounding Georgia’s defensive line unit was that it didn’t have any game wreckers on its defensive line such as former Bulldogs Jordan Davis, Travon Walker, Jalen Carter, or Nolan Smith.
Smart doesn’t spend too much time worrying about narratives and feels this year’s group “can get the job done.”
“I wouldn’t trade our group for any group in the country in terms of defensive line groups and a collective whole. We’ve got a group that can get the job done,” Smart said. “They’re going against one of the best three or four offensive lines they’ll go against all season every day. Iron sharpens iron, and we’re getting better by who we go against.”
Georgia’s defensive line returns Nazir Stackhouse and Warren Brinson, which is huge for the program from a leadership standpoint. However, the Bulldogs are hoping a few younger players can step up this year.
Jordan Hall, Christen Miller, and Jamaal Jarrett are all names to watch. Those three have now been with the program for over a year and have gotten accustomed to the speed of the game at the collegiate level.
Freshmen Nnamdi Ogboko and Jordan Thomas have also made a splash this spring.
“I’m pleased with where we are. We have to get better, and we have players on our defensive line that can get better,” Smart said. “The worst feeling as a coach is when you don’t have players that you can get better. There are coaches all across the country right now who don’t have one 300-pounder. We have several. “We just got to continue to get them better and execute at a higher level. It’s not about them sometimes, it’s about the guy behind them, making sure he sticks his nose in the right place, too.”