OVERVIEW:
Georgia’s offense "on-paper" looks to be the strength of the 2021 team which isn't what UGA fans have come to expect in recent seasons. Last season, Georgia averaged 32 points per game, good for fifth in the SEC. This was despite starting three different quarterbacks and a lack of an offseason to input new OC Todd Monken's system. The Offense seemed to find its groove in the last 4 games of 2020 under QB JT Daniels averaging over 37 points per game. Heading into 2021, The Dawgs are returning 8 of 11 starters with a full off-season to work with coaches and new additions (Arik Gilbert).
Quarterback
Projected Starter
JT Daniels (JR)- Daniels became the bulldogs starter late in the season and gave dawg fans a glimpse of the future. Throwing for 1,231 yards and 10 TD vs. 2 INT, the Bulldogs found their QB. Daniels has already earned a spot on the watch lists for the Walter Camp Player of the Year, Davey O’Brien Award, and Maxwell Award. He was also voted Second-Team Preseason All-SEC by the media.With a full offseason and adding more weapons expect JT and the Bulldogs to have Championship aspirations in 2021.
Next Up
Carson Beck (R-FR)- Beck is a highly touted QB that the Dawgs were able to wrestle out of Florida. Beck assumed the backup role late in the year and could be next in line if anything were to happen to Daniels. Beck is in-line to have the inside track at the 2022 starting job.
Stetson Bennett (SR)- Bennett did an honorable job in his role last year when he was forced into game action. He just didn't have the "it" to take UGA to the title contending expectations that are on the program. Don't be surprised if he's called on if something were to ever happen to Daniels. Smart trusts him!
Brock Vandigriff (FR)- 5-Star QB with the size and wheels to be a force in the RPO game. Once Vandigriff can adjust to game speed, he will be a stud! He will learn from the sidelines this season and battle for the 2022 starting job in the spring/fall!
Running Back
Projected Starter
Zamir White (JR)- White will be the Thunder in the back field this season. He may get the nod as "starter" due to size and ability to pound the middle to help open up passing game. If White can have a little bit of vision while running.... lookout!
James Cook (SR)- Cook is the perfect Ying to Zamir White's Yang. Cook's ability in space sets him up for jet sweeps and dump passes to the flats to take advantage of his twitch! A good decision to return for his senior season.
Kendall Milton (So)- Milton has all the tools and Runs HARD! Milton fought and earned playing time his freshman season. He immediately became a fan favorite due to his running style. Don't be surprised if Milton is the Starter by mid-season.
Kenny McIntosh (JR)- Mcintosh may be a starter on 10 of the 14 SEC teams... McIntosh is best described as a mix of all the backs listed above. A great utility back that will find his way on the field.
Wide Receiver
Projected Starters
Arik Gilbert (So)- The Rich get richer.. Gilbert was the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2019 and began at LSU. Gilbert was voted Freshman All-SEC Team and started all eight games in which he played…caught 35 passes 368 yards and two TDs. Look for the TE/WR to fill the Go-To Role that Pickens was in 2020.
Jermaine Burton (SO)- Burton had 27 catches for 404 yards in his freshman season. He h earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors after a nice game against Mississippi State. Expect Burton to have a possible breakout season in 2021!
Kearis Jackson (SR)- Jackson actually led the team in yardage last season with 514 yards. and was tied for the team lead in receptions with 36 passes. Jackson did a lot his damage early on with Stetson Bennett at the helm. In the teams last four games, Daniels looked to spread it around and Pickens was the Go-to receiver.
Next Up
Dominick Blaylock (R-So)- Coming off ACL surgery, Its unknown what Blaylock's availability is at the start of camp. Blaylock was a solid receiver in 2019 and looks to bounce back. IF healthy, He could easily battle for a starting spot.
Marcus Rosmey-Jacksaint (So)- .Rosemy-Jacksaint had earned valuable playing time come mid season but was unfortunately injured on a 32 yard TD vs. Florida that ended his season with a broken leg/ankle.
Arian Smith (So)- AKA FLASH, Smith looks shot out of a rocket when the ball is snapped. Dawg fans got a glimpse of his speed against South Carolina as he torched the defense for his 1st catch and touchdown.
Adonai Mitchell (FR) - Mitchell had a nice Spring game and looked to be a possible breakout candidate for the 2021 season. The depth at WR may prove to be a little much this season and it could be 2022 before we see a lot from him.
Tight End
Projected Starter
Darnell Washington (So)- Washington showed glimpses of Big play ability over the 2020 season and showed why he was so coveted out of high school. Started seven of Georgia's 10 games at TE...finished season with seven catches for 166 yards
Next Up
John Fitzpatrick (So)- Another big bodied TE, Fitzpatrick could be in line for some significant playing time and opportunities over the middle when defenses focus on the wide receivers.
Ryland Goede (R-So) - At 6-6 & 240lbs, Goede is another big target in the middle of the field.
Offensive Line
Projected Starters
Warren McClendon- RT (SO)
Tate Ratledge RG (R-SO)
Warren Ericson - C (JR)
Justin Shaffer- LG (SR)
Jamaree Salyer - LT (SR)
UP NEXT:
*These are in no particular order as each can play multiple positions...
Broderick Jones (R-FR)
Clay Webb (R-SO)
Amarius Mims (FR)
Xavier Truss (R-SO)
Sedrick Van Pran (R-FR)
Austin Blaske (R-FR)