The University of Georgia Bulldogs have the top recruiting class in the whole nation as of noon on National Signing Day. In the Early Signing Period, head coach Kirby Smart and his subordinate recruiters were already able to sign 19 key incoming high school recruits, including a run on top talent from out of state. None looms larger than 5-star Darnell Washington, the 6-7 tight end out of Las Vegas, considered one of the elite athletes at any position.
Under outgoing one-year offensive coordinator James Coley, the Bulldogs struggled to pass the ball to the middle of the football field, and at times had trouble converting on third downs. Thusly, the defense had to keep UGA in low-scoring games. With Air Raid expert Todd Monken taking over the play calling duties, and a couple other very experienced coaching minds added to the offensive think tank, scoring should increase in 2020.
The spotlight shines brightest on Wake Forest grad transfer Jamie Newman, the presumed starter under center in Athens. But also keep an eye out for FSU grad transfer Tre’ McKitty (6-5), another tall tight end weapon.
Newman’s dual-threat arsenal includes his ability to run the football, which will draw defensive attention. The plan seems to be for Monken to open up the passing offense. Georgia loses stud runner D’Andre Swift to the NFL along with four offensive line starters, but the middle of the football field should be relatively open for tight ends to roam free and move the chains.