Ratledge and Mitchell Discuss Practice and Upcoming Season
ATHENS, Ga. — University of Georgia players Tate Ratledge and Adonai Mitchell spoke with the media Tuesday evening and offered the following comments after the day’s practice about practice and the upcoming 2022 season.
#69 Tate Ratledge | RS - Freshman | OL
On the emotions after breaking his foot last season…
“It's frustrating for sure. Kind of took it as a growing experience, though. At first, it kind of messed with me a little bit, but you live and you learn. I think overall, it ended up being a good thing for me. I got my head in the right spot, and I think it really put things in perspective for me, don't take things for granted.”
On where he is mentally today…
“Don’t take things for granted, because I was on top of the world, starting for us and then next thing I know, it's over with. I definitely feel like I understand the game better, just sitting back and watching, and not really as much playing. Mentally, I'm definitely a lot stronger than I was."
On the role his teammates played during the recovery process…
“A lot bigger one then they know. It was seeing them every day is really what kept me sane during that time. It was coming in here, just seeing them, going to meetings, talking to them. So they played a really big role in that.”
On the value of the reps he’s been getting in practice...
“I think it's been very valuable. Especially getting to know the guy you're playing against again, because you can tell a drop off when you're not playing next to somebody. Like if I'm playing next to [Amarius] Mims and Warren McClendon, I can definitely tell a difference in their play styles. So, that's definitely different, but it's been good getting back out there to get those reps.”
#5 Adonai Mitchell | Sophomore | WR
On being better prepared this season...
"In the Clemson game, I was a young freshman. Now, I am going into the second year in the offense, and I am getting more comfortable. I just recognize the signals now. I'm able to process quicker than I was last year."
On an increased role on the offense...
"Buying into the process that we go through every day. Coach Kirby, the coaching staff, they help us everyday work to get better. I bought into my role on the team, and it ended up working out."
On the wide receivers room...
"I feel like we have a great coach who gives us the tools to win. He knows all the receivers, and we all buy into it. Like I said, we play our roles, and everybody is being progressive every day. And you can see that. We just have to want it.”