The Georgia Bulldogs Show Promise for Next Season After Spring Game

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Arik Gilbert celebrates his first touchdown after taking a year off. Photo by @georgiafootball Instagram.

Georgia held their final scrimmage for the spring season on April 16, and the showing has Dawg fans excited for the future. A combination of new and familiar faces returning has the reigning national champions feeling as if they can repeat. 

 

One of the biggest takeaways from the game is just how deep the Dawg’s tight end group will be. Arik Gilbert, former five-star prospect and tight end at LSU, showed his mismatch ability. After taking time away from the game last year, the former star from Marietta High School is back. Hauling in two touchdown catches and nearly a third, Gilbert appears to be nearly unstoppable. Former West Forsyth standout and early enrollee Oscar Delp also had a very productive day. He got lots of targets with Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington being out for the spring. Dawg fans already know how dangerous those two are. With the amount of talent Georgia has at the position, do not be surprised if Todd Monken runs plays with four tight ends on the field. 

 

Kelee Ringo appears to have started right back where he ended last season. The pick-six that sealed the national championship win against Alabama looks like it might only be a sneak peek at the season he might have next year. He exemplifies the word “lockdown.” Ringo shut down any receiver he was lined up against all day. The front seven also looked quite dominant. It felt like Jalen Carter was in the backfield on nearly every play. Expect a breakout season from junior defensive lineman Warren Brinson alongside Jalen Carter. 

 

All three of the quarterbacks who got the majority of reps looked impressive and made some amazing throws. Stetson struggled with the pressure in his face a few times, but delivered the ball well. Carson Beck started his team’s first possession with a 60-yard bomb to Arian Smith. Brock Vandagriff showed off his arm strength and his scrambling ability while ripping off a few runs. This group comprises the deepest quarterback room the Dawgs have had in some time.

 

Several batted balls at the line were a cause for concern. This was an issue two seasons ago. Lots of pressure was getting home to the quarterback when facing the first-team defense. With Tate Ratledge returning next season from injury and a few more months of practice, this issue will most likely be resolved. 

 

Georgia fans have a lot to look forward to as the quest to defend their title begins in September against Oregon at Mercedes Benz Stadium. The team still has months left to practice and refine their skills, but they showed that the team is already in good shape.