ESPN does not have Georgia quarterback Carson Beck, who is a first-team All-SEC selection, as one of the 25 most important players in the College Football Playoff race (subscription required).
ESPN’s Bill Connelly ranks Georgia wide receiver Dillon Bell as the Bulldogs’ lone important player in the playoff race.
Bell, who checks in at No. 12 on the list, is considered a “potential star in need of a breakthrough.” Bell made the All-SEC second team as an all-purpose player.
The talented receiver from Texas is one of Georgia’s most versatile weapons. Bell is a player built in a role similar to that of San Francisco 49ers standout Deebo Samuel. Bell is excellent with the ball in his hands.
Last season, Bell recorded 29 receptions for 355 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He also added 25 rushes for 157 yards and two touchdowns.
We anticipate Bell’s rushing numbers to go down in 2024 and his receiving numbers to rise. The junior wide receiver could be Beck’s top receiving target. Bell will likely compete with All-SEC receiver Dominick Lovett to receive the most targets of any Georgia pass catcher.
“Bell is already a semi-proven red zone threat, and he was UGA’s No. 1 receiver over the final four games of the season,” Connelly said.
Bell did impress down the stretch last year. There’s no doubt about that.
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But, what we are doubting is that Beck is not among the most important players in the playoff race. Beck will lead the preseason No. 1 team in the country as the Bulldogs face three top-six opponents on the road. There’s no question quarterback is most important position in football, so Beck, who is a potential No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, belongs on Connelly’s list.