ATHENS, GA. (AP) In his first nine years as Georgia’s coach, Kirby Smart has amassed 105 victories, two national titles, and three SEC titles. As a result, he has earned the right to be given the benefit of the doubt when it comes to projecting the best teams in the country.
Although it might be challenging to explain the optimistic prediction, Georgia is ranked No. 5 in the Associated Press preseason Top 25 this year. Another solid source of talent is the well-regarded recruiting classes that Smart and his team have repeatedly brought to Athens. Nevertheless, this club has a lot more up-and-coming players eager to take advantage of chances than well-established individuals.
According to Smart, many of them haven’t got a chance to play, so now is their chance.
There were no Bulldogs players in the preseason AP. On Monday, the All-America first-team defense or offense was revealed. Punter Brett Thorson was Georgia’s only preseason first-team selection. All nine of the other top teams in the preseason Top 25 had an offensive or defensive first-team pick.
Georgia was selected to the preseason AP All-America second team for kicker Peyton Woodring, safety KJ Bolden, and defensive tackle Christen Miller.
Gunner in the spotlight
Gunner Stockton, a junior quarterback with just one career start, is expected to lead Georgia, a youthful team with just seven returning players.
In the second half of Georgia’s 22-19 overtime victory over Texas in the SEC championship game, Stockton replaced Carson Beck, who was injured. In a show that demonstrated his popularity on the squad, Georgia players applauded Stockton onto the field. In the CFP semifinals, Stockton started in the Bulldogs’ 23-10 Sugar Bowl defeat against Notre Dame.
After Beck transferred to Miami this summer, Smart permitted Stockton to continue his quarterback competition with Ryan Puglisi. Stockton offers a dual-threat style that can be similar to that of previous starter Stetson Bennett.
Emphasis on the dirty yards
Nate Frazier, a sophomore who rushed for 671 yards and eight touchdowns as a true freshman, leads the running game.
Mike Bobo, the offensive coordinator, stated, “I believe he’s developing as a complete back.” The next step, I suppose, is to give up always trying to hit the home run. With all of the backs, we need to improve on that. We must develop the ability to get the dirty yards.
Other running backs to keep an eye on are senior Cash Jones, rookie Bo Walker, and Illinois transfer Josh McCray.
Leading the defense
Defensive leaders include Miller, Bolden, inside linebacker C.J. Allen, and cornerback Daylen Everette. Allen is strengthened by the addition of Raylen Wilson as an inside linebacker. Elo Modozie, an Army transfer, might start as an outside linebacker. As a freshman, Elijah Griffin is anticipated to have an instant impact on the defensive front.
Revamped offensive line
The right tackle The only offensive line starter who is returning is Earnest Greene III. The center The offensive coordinator’s son Drew Bobo, offensive guard Micah Morris, a senior in his fifth year, and junior left tackle Monroe Freeling have all served as fill-in starters.
After the first preseason scrimmage, Smart stated, “I’ve been pleased with the group.” They still put in a lot of effort and carry out our tasks. We’ll be in the proper location.
Schedule includes visits from Alabama and Texas
The first of Georgia’s two home non-conference games is against Marshall on August 30. Prior to their SEC debut on September 13 against No. 24 Tennessee, the Bulldogs will be favored against Austin Peay on September 6. Highlights of the schedule include a visit from No. 1 Texas on November 15 and a top 10 matchup versus No. 8 Alabama in Athens on September 27.
On November 28, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host the state rivalry game against Georgia Tech.
