No. 9 Georgia has experienced some of its players opting-out of the bowl game like many programs have across the country.
The list includes junior defensive back Eric Stokes, senior linebacker Monty Rice, senior defensive back D.J. Daniel, senior guard Ben Cleveland and senior tight end Tre Mckitty.
Former Bulldog, Georgia legend David Pollack gave his thoughts on a player’s decision to opt-out of a game in a response to a question via Twitter.
Everyone’s situations are different but I’m not the opt out kind of guy. I stayed for my senior year after being a projected first round pick. I loved my team. I loved competing. Opting out to me = quitting. Not in my DNA. https://t.co/jSb9Mnh6zn
— David Pollack (@davidpollack47) December 31, 2020
Pollack played linbacker at Georgia from 2001-2004 and was named first-team All-America three times and SEC Player of the Year twice.
As good as Pollack was, he played in a different era of college football. Today, guys have the opportunity, via mock drafts and connections between the Georgia coaching staff and the NFL, to more accurately project their NFL worth and possible draft positions.
And with the risk of injury, some players, especially highly-projected picks, are inclined to skip a bowl game to prepare for the draft.
Not saying that Pollack is completely wrong here, but a player making an informed decision that is best for their respective future is not quitting.
Make sure you’re caught up on everything Georgia football before the game! We break everything down including, opt-outs and what to watch for from the Bearcats in this week’s episode of UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton. Listen here: