Tag: georgia bulldogs news

Jalen Carter’s NFL draft profile

Here’s Jalen Carter’s NFL draft profile…

Former Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter will hear his name called early in this year’s NFL draft.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper has Carter rated No. 1 overall among prospects on his 2023 Big Board.

Carter has a chance at making history as the second consecutive No. 1 overall pick for Georgia after defensive lineman Travon Walker secured the honor in the 2022 draft.

NFL.com recently released Carter’s extensive draft profile ahead of the NFL combine scheduled to take place Feb. 28–March 6 in Indianapolis.

Grade: 7.11 (highest in draft)

NFL Comparison:  Jeffery Simmons

Overview: When assessing a player’s draft grade, we take into consideration areas like traits, toughness, explosiveness, skill level, potential for growth and positional projections. Across the board, Carter checks out in a big way. However, his maturity will need to be vetted by each team as they make their evaluations. The tape shows a defender with odd- or even-front versatility and a rare blend of first-step quickness and leverage through contact. He’s capable of finding quick wins against sloppy guard play and finishes the play once he’s in the backfield. His hand usage can be violent or subtle, but the feet are always active and searching for an opening. Based upon talent, traits and projection, Carter appears ready to step into the NFL and become a productive three-down talent with Pro Bowl potential.

Strengths: Outstanding lean muscle mass with proportional structure.
Rockets out of stance and into premium position off the snap.
Step-and-swim move creates upper hand to bypass guards.
Accurate, compact hands keep him in ready position to handle business. Holds the point during lateral engagements to monitor both gaps.

Weakness: Could use a little more mass against NFL guards.
Loses momentum when swapping power with true heavyweights.
Neutralized by the size/strength of Florida’s O’Cyrus Torrence in 2022.
Tank ran out of gas in College Football Playoff semifinal against Ohio State.

More strengths and weaknesses here.

Jalen Carter bought Georgia walk-on’s meals with scholarship money

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz2y40j067srkf player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=]

Jalen Carter bought Georgia walk-on’s meals with scholarship money

“The blessings I have from being on a full ride, I just wanted to help, and that was taking care of a brother,” Carter said.”

Georgia star defensive lineman Jalen Carter is a top prospect in the 2023 NFL draft after a dominant career in Athens.

In December, ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said there were character issues with Carter.

“With Carter, there are some character issues. Does he get along with everybody. What’s he like to deal with in the locker room, those sorts of issues” McShay said on ESPN. “I know it’s early in the process, but I’m forewarning everybody out there. Carter is going to be a hot-button name when we talk about some of the intangible aspects. I think Pete Carroll (and the Seattle Seahawks) at No. 2, who has a long of history taking guys with questionable character and then developing them and having them work out, that would make a lot of sense to me.”

This was a surprise to DawgNation and Georgia players alike. Multiple Bulldogs, including graduate tight end Ryland Goede, spoke out on the supposed issues mentioned by McShay on ESPN.

Bruce Feldman of The Athletic dived deeper into Carter’s character by speaking with UGA’s Weston Wallace, a walk-on who transitioned from the offensive line to defensive line last season.

Walk-ons are not allowed to eat every meal for free like those players on scholarship, and when Carter found out, he responded in an inspiring way.

“Jalen heard about that. I’m the only walk-on in the defensive line room and he goes, ‘I’m not gonna let that happen.’ So he used his scholarship money to pay for me to get lunch every single day,” Wallace said.

“No one told him to do that. The nutritionist informed me about it. Had she not told me, I wouldn’t have known about it. And that’s what I like about it.”

Instead of speaking out against McShay’s comments, which could impact his draft stock, Carter said this when asked his response before the Bulldogs’ playoffs run.

“I did not take that any type of way,” Carter said. “I’m just trying to be the best teammate I could be. That’s it. It really didn’t affect me. I’m always a positive guy. I look at the positive side. I never look at the negative. I tried to stay away from that. And when it came out I really didn’t pay any mind to I just told my team let’s just keep going. Let’s just go to the playoffs and ball out.”

What Carter did for Wallace, while not intending for his efforts to be shared, along with how his Georgia teammates responded to McShay’s comments, should squash unsubstantiated concerns.

“The blessings I have from being on a full ride, I just wanted to help, and that was taking care of a brother,” Carter said.”

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz2y40j067srkf player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=]

Stetson Bennett’s NFL draft profile

‘Bennett will turn 26 years old during his rookie season and he’s small in stature relative to today’s game. Those two things will work against him.’

Former Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett is one of the most interesting prospects in this year’s NFL draft.

He is a former walk-on who helped lead the Bulldogs to consecutive national titles, while becoming the most decorated player in the College Football Playoffs. However, Bennett’s stellar career isn’t garnering the attention you might expect.

NFL.com recently released Bennett’s draft profile ahead of the NFL combine scheduled to take place from Feb. 28-March 6 in Indianapolis.

NFL Comparison: Nick Mullens

Overview: Bennett will turn 26 years old during his rookie season and he’s small in stature relative to today’s game. Those two things will work against him, but his history of elevating his play in spotlight games against the best competition should be a factor for some teams. He doesn’t have a plus arm and his accuracy and placement can vary from drive to drive, but he throws with anticipation and has shown an ability to get through progressions as a pro-style passer. He’s rarely sacked and has the mobility to do damage outside of the pocket. Bennett has backup potential for a timing-based passing attack that includes concepts often seen in the Shanahan offense.

Strength: Moves his feet with his eyes for throw readiness, confidence and focus appear to elevate in the biggest games, posted 308.8 passing yards per game with a completion rate of 67.7 percent and touchdown to interception ratio of 19:3 while going 5-1 over last six postseason games, able to scan progressions across the entire field, moves his feet with his eyes for throw readiness.

Weakness: Struggles with placement, touch and distance on many deep throws, very small and slight for the position by NFL standards, game to game consistency has been an issue at times, needs to navigate the pocket for cleaner launch points, lacks drive velocity to fit throws into a tight window, will fall off some throws unnecessarily.

Sources Tell Us: “He has some great moments to fall back on, but I still think there are too many things working against him to ever be a starter.” — Personnel executive for NFC team

More strengths and weaknesses here.

Bennett will have an opportunity to answer some of the question’s surrounding his abilities at the combine, which may boost his stock ahead of the draft that is set for April 27-29 in Kansas City.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz2y40j067srkf player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=]

CFB discussing multiple rule changes to shorten games, prevent injuries

If passed, the changes would go in effect in the 2023 season…

College football leaders are reportedly discussing four rule changes to help shorten game length and prevent injuries, per Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger.

  • Prohibiting consecutive timeouts
  • No untimed down at end of the first or third quarter as a result of a defensive penalty
  • Clock runs after first downs except inside of two minutes remaining in a half
  • Clocks runs on incompletions once ball is spotted

These changes are being evaluated by a group put in place by the College Football Officials (CFO) Board of Managers, a 12-member team made up of the 10 Football Bowl Subdivision commissioners and two Football Championship Subdivision commissioners.

The report states it will be weeks before a decision is made. If passed, the changes would go in effect for the 2023 season.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz2y40j067srkf player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=]

Georgia’s Malaki Starks ranked among top returning safeties

Just a rising sophomore, Starks ranked at the top…

Georgia safety Malaki Starks earned freshman All-American honors in the Bulldogs’ 2022 national title season after finishing third on the team in tackles (69), first in pass breakups (7) and second in interceptions (2).

The former five-star recruit’s ability to contribute right away on one of the most talented defenses in college football was evident from the jump in the Bulldogs’ season opening win over Oregon.

Pro Football Focus recently named Starks the No. 3 returning safety for the 2023 season.

The Bulldogs are in good hands with Starks’ return, but questions remain at safety following the departure of All-American safety Christopher Smith to the NFL draft.

Rising seniors Dan Jackson and Tykee Smith return with multiple starts under their belts, and Georgia brought in former Texas A&M safety Smoke Boujie via the transfer portal this offseason.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz2y40j067srkf player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=]

Georgia defensive analyst takes NFL job

Robert Muschamp to the L.A. Chargers…

Georgia football defensive analyst Robert Muschamp has taken an opportunity with the Los Angeles Chargers as a quality control coach.

The former Auburn linebacker spent two seasons in Athens alongside his uncle and co-defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.

Muschamp spent his high school career at Darlington School in Rome, Georgia, and walked-on at Auburn during his uncle’s stint as the Tigers’ defensive coordinator.

Muschamp made his coaching debut as a graduate assistant at Tennessee from 2019-2020 before moving on to Georgia.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz2y40j067srkf player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=]

2 Georgia Bulldogs ranked among top returning CBs for 2023 season

Javon Bullard & Kamari Lassiter are ranked among the top 10 returning CBs… Thoughts?

Georgia cornerbacks Javon Bullard and Kamari Lassiter bolstered the Bulldogs’ 2022 defense as first-year starters and will have prominent roles as juniors in 2023.

Lassiter filled the void left by now Los Angeles Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick in 2022 and played beyond his experience, racking up 38 stops, one-half sacks and four pass breakups in 15 games.

Bullard burst onto the scene in Georgia’s second consecutive national title season as a force in the secondary as the primary slot corner, known as the star position.

Bullard earned defensive MVP honors in both the Peach Bowl win over Ohio State and the national championship win over TCU. The Milledgeville, Georgia, native finished the season with 46 stops, 3.5 sacks, three pass breakups and two interceptions.

Pro Football Focus recently ranked the top 10 cornerbacks returning for the 2023 season. Bullard came in at No. 7, and Lassiter was named at No. 10.

Both Bulldogs will be heavily relied upon in 2023 considering the loss of All-SEC cornerback Kelee Ringo and All-American safety Christopher Smith to the NFL draft.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz2y40j067srkf player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=]

ESPN describes Georgia’s path to 2024 College Football Playoffs

“If Georgia is going to get back to the CFP and have a chance to win three straight national titles, it will have to find a quality replacement for quarterback Stetson Bennett.” More here…

After two consecutive national titles, the expectations for Georgia are at an all-time high for the 2023 season.

The Bulldogs return 13 starters and are tabbed No. 1 by ESPN in its way-too-early top 25.

Georgia has a good chance at reaching the College Football Playoffs for a third straight season. The Dawgs returning production paired with their strength of schedule reflects a straight forward path.

College football analyst Phil Steele ranks Georgia’s 2023 schedule 63rd among 133 Football Bowl Subdivision schools.

ESPN describes the Bulldogs’ potential path to the 2024 playoffs.

“If Georgia is going to get back to the CFP and have a chance to win three straight national titles, it will have to find a quality replacement for quarterback Stetson Bennett. A former walk-on, Bennett had a storybook career and was the engine behind Georgia’s transformation on offense. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken left for the Baltimore Ravens, and former OC Mike Bobo, an analyst last season, was promoted to replace him. Carson Beck, who attempted 58 passes in the past two seasons combined, probably has the edge heading into spring practice. Beck led two late scoring drives in Georgia’s 65-7 rout of TCU in the national championship in January. He has a stronger arm than Bennett but isn’t quite as mobile. Brock Vandagriff, who is probably more dynamic than Beck, and redshirt freshman Gunner Stockton will also be in the mix. – Mark Schlabach”

Georgia returned only 10 starters from it’s 2021 national title team and finished 15-0 with another title in 2022.

Head coach Kirby Smart’s ability to revamp year-to-year while dealing with roster attrition and coaching staff changes has been the catalyst of the Bulldogs’ recent success.

 

Georgia’s Stetson Bennett signs with agency ahead of the NFL draft

Equity Sports agency supports players like Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, Washington Commanders QB Taylor Heinicke & Denver Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy…

Two-time national champion quarterback Stetson Bennett has signed with Equity Sports, the agency recently rebranded from Steinberg Sports.

Equity represents multiple notable NFL players, including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke and Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy.

The former Georgia star is preparing for the NFL combine by training with Apex Sports in Fort Worth, Texas. Players will have a chance to show their skills and athletic traits in front of the league’s scouts and coaching staffs in the event, which is scheduled to take place Feb. 28-March 6 in Indianapolis.

ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has Bennett ranked ninth among quarterback prospects.

 

2023 SEC media days schedule set

2023 SEC media days are set…

The annual Southeastern Conference media days are scheduled for July 17-20 in Nashville, Tenn., the conference announced on Thursday.

Kirby Smart and the league’s coaches will take the podium to preview the 2023 season.

Player representatives, television schedule and time rotation information will be released at a later date.

Last season, Smart and the Bulldogs brought quarterback Stetson Bennett, linebacker Nolan Smith and center Sedrick Van Pran.

You can find the head coaches’ appearance schedule below:

Monday, July 17

  • LSU – Brian Kelly
  • Missouri – Eliah Drinkwitz
  • Texas A&M – Jimbo Fisher

Tuesday, July 18

  • Auburn – Hugh Freeze
  • Georgia – Kirby Smart
  • Mississippi State – Zach Arnett
  • Vanderbilt – Clark Lea
Wednesday, July 19
  • Alabama – Nick Saban
  • Arkansas – Sam Pittman
  • Florida – Billy Napier
  • Kentucky – Mark Stoops

Thursday, July 20

  • Ole Miss – Lane Kiffin
  • South Carolina – Shane Beamer
  • Tennessee – Josh Heupel