Tag: JT Daniels UGA

What Georgia QB JT Daniels said after 10th spring practice

Georgia quarterback JT Daniels spoke to the media following the Bulldogs’ 10th spring practice on Tuesday. Here’s what Daniels had to say.

Georgia football is in its third week of spring practice and just five practices away from G-Day, the annual spring game held in Sanford Stadium.

After Tuesday’s practice, coach Kirby Smart and several players spoke to the media, including quarterback JT Daniels. The former USC transfer took UGA and the SEC by storm when he replaced Stetson Bennett versus Mississippi State and went on to throw for 401 yards and four touchdowns. He finished the season undefeated and with a win over No. 8 Cincinnati in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. Now, the Heisman hopeful leads a loaded Bulldog roster into a potential championship season.

Here’s what the junior signal caller said:

  • On what being a quarterback means to him…

“I think, first and foremost, it starts with how you approach everything you do, especially as a veteran now. This is my fourth season in college football. I remember when I was coming in how I looked up to the older guys in the building, and I can only imagine that other guys look up to the Lewis Cines [and] guys that have been here for a while, and others that have played a lot of ball like myself. The first thing is how it starts with how you approach everything, and I think it’s also really important how I’ve focused on is just my overall body language and my mannerisms. I’ve always been just more of a laid-back kind of guy, especially on the field. I’ve never been a hype man, that’s just never been my thing. But I’ve put more effort into not just words of encouragement but trying to keep everyone focused on task if someone is not doing the right thing. And if I’m not doing the right thing, someone is going to tell me, and I’ve got to do the same thing and dish it out. But there’s just a lot of areas of leadership that I’ve really tried to take a step.”

  • On when he took the role as leader on the team…

“I think that something we talk about a lot as a team is that everybody on the team is a leader, whether you are just joining and you are a walk-on, or if you are a Jamaree Salyer, or a Lewis [Cine], you’re [Ameer] Speed, or anyone of them. I think obviously your role expands the more you play, and you just have a bigger platform in that area. But I think that since I’ve been here, I’ve always tried to take the approach of first leading by example, then once I think you earn a certain level of trust in your teammates, from them seeing how you work and knowing that you’re here for them, then you can start being more vocal and doing more things.”

  • On what it means that Coach Smart named him this season’s starting QB…

“The first thing is that it is a really great honor to be a starting Division I quarterback, especially at a program like Georgia. And to hear from your coach that you do try really hard to show out for, it’s something that is really cool to hear. And it definitely is a confidence booster just to hear that your coach believes in you.”

 

A new episode of “UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton” podcast is streaming now! This week, J.C. talks Georgia spring practice news, new scheduling additions and Dawgs in the NFL free agency updates. Listen here:

Throwback: Watch UGA QB JT Daniels throw for 400 yards in his Georgia debut

USC transfer JT Daniels stepped in versus Mississippi State on Nov. 21 and threw his way into UGA record books. Watch the highlights here.

Georgia football gained a quarterback in 2020. USC transfer JT Daniels stepped in versus Mississippi State on Nov. 21 and threw his way into UGA record books with the most prolific debut passing performance in Georgia history.

Daniels would go on to beat Mississippi State 31-24 and win three more games games as Bulldogs signal caller, but his night versus MSU will always be remembered.

Let’s throw it back for a moment and relive Daniels big night:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsN36paTZ2I

Daniels completed 28 of 38 passes for 401 yards and added four touchdowns with zero interceptions, boosting the Bulldogs passing game and winning DawgNation over all in one night.

The good news for Georgia is the Santa Ana, Calif., native has elected to return to Athens for the 2021 season, making the Bulldogs a serious title contender.

 

This week former Bulldogs Brandon Boykin and Chris Burnette joined UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton to talk Dawgs, their new podcast and more! Listen here for lots of laughs!

 

Georgia QB JT Daniels hints at 2021 return

Georgia quarterback JT Daniels hinted at his return to Athens for the 2021 season in an Instagram post on Monday. Details here.

Georgia football’s 2021 roster will look much different than this year’s squad that finished 8-2 and capped the season off with a 24-21 win over undefeated Cincinnati in the Peach Bowl.

One major question Georgia faces is who will be at quarterback when the Bulldogs travel to Clemson to kickoff the 2021 season on Sept. 4.

As of today, it seems JT Daniels will lead the Bulldogs into Death Valley. The redshirt sophomore USC transfer hinted at his return to Athens in an Instagram post on Monday.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJomy_nAW4M/?igshid=w9olwotkh9y2

Daniels only played Georgia’s final four games, but along with not losing a game, he was extremely effective, throwing for 1,231 yards and 10 touchdowns with 2 interceptions.

With a full offseason to study the Bulldogs’ offensive scheme led by offensive coordinator Todd Monken, we can only imagine what Daniels can do with all of the offensive weapons that will surround him in the fall.

George Pickens, Kearis Jackson, Jermaine Burton, Darnell ‘Big O’ Washington, Arian Smith and a healthy Dominick Blaylock just to name a few.

Georgia football has found its QB of the future in 2021 signee Brock Vandagriff

Five-star quarterback Brock Vandagriff signed with Georgia football on early signing day, the No. 2 QB in the 2021 recruiting class.

Georgia has had drama in the quarterback room ever since a bright-eyed Jake Fromm took over for an injured Jacob Eason in the first game of the 2017 season.

Fromm would go on to lead Georgia to an SEC Championship, Rose Bowl win and National Championship appearance in his freshman season, prompting former 5-star recruit Eason to transfer.

Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jake Fromm (11) runs off the field following the SEC Football Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Dec. 2, 2017, in Atlanta. Georgia defeated Auburn 28-7. (Photo by Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/TNS/Sipa USA)

Georgia coach Kirby Smart had a decision to make that offseason. Start Fromm, the guy who just led the Bulldogs to the College Football Playoff, or give true freshman Justin Fields, the most highly touted recruit in Georgia football history, a chance to prove his skill as the starter.

Smart chose Fromm, as most would under the circumstances, and Fields transferred to Ohio State, leaving the Bulldogs with limited options after Fromm left early for the NFL Draft after his junior season of 2019.

To fill the gap, Smart and staff turned to the transfer portal and signed Wake Forest quarterback Jamie Newman and USC quarterback JT Daniels in spring of 2020.

Daniels was set to be a backup as he was nursing an ACL tear, pinning Newman as the perceived starter headed into this fall until the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to opt-out of the season.

Georgia began the season with redshirt freshman D’Wan Mathis at quarterback and quickly turned to former walk-on Stetson Bennett in an attempt to find some cohesion in a new offense brought over with newly hired offensive coordinator Todd Monken.

Mathis and Bennett played valiantly, but their experience and intangibles were not at the level of USC transfer Daniels, who took over as the Bulldogs’ signal caller in game 7 vs. Mississippi State.

His knee was in question, but Daniels put the doubters to bed with a 400 yard performance that gave us a glimpse of where Georgia’s offense can be with a gunslinger under center.

That’s what the Bulldogs have brought in with the signing of five-star quarterback Brock Vandagriff. 

The Prince Avenue Christian School star is rated as the No. 2 quarterback, the No. 2 recruit in the state of Georgia and the No. 14 overall recruit in the country, according to 247Sports.

Vandagriff’s poise as a young quarterback is almost as impressive as his athleticism.

Vandagriff (6-3, 205 pounds) threw for 9, 566 yards and ran for another 1,783 in his career at Prince Avenue Christian.

Check out his junior highlights here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKNH671Bnxk

Looking ahead, we will most likely see Daniels return as Georgia’s starter when the Bulldogs travel to Clemson to start the 2021 season and right behind the arm of Daniels will be Vandagriff, who will be studying how to be an SEC caliber starter.

DawgNation, you have every right to be excited for the future of Georgia football in the hands of Daniels and Vandagriff moving forward.

Did you miss national signing day? I break it all down in this week’s episode of UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton in our national signing day special! I talk about who signed, what guys can make the most impact and how Georgia’s 2021 class relates to the SEC. Listen here:

 

Watch: Georgia WR Arian Smith burns defense for first career TD

Georgia Bulldogs freshman wide receiver Arian Smith caught his first career touchdown pass from UGA quarterback JT Daniels

Georgia Bulldogs freshman wide receiver Arian Smith made an impact against the South Carolina Gamecocks when he burned the defense for a touchdown reception. Smith’s catch gave Georgia a 45-10 lead over South Carolina.

Quarterback JT Daniels completed the pass the Arian Smith, who gained a significant amount of separation. Georgia has a bright future at the wide receiver position between Smith, Jermaine Burton, and more.

Smith figures to be an elite deep threat next season. He was a highly rated recruit before coming to Athens, but he’s dealt with a few injuries, which prevented him from playing for much of this season.

Correction on this Tweet: it is JT Daniels, not DJ Daniel:

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What South Carolina media is saying about Georgia ahead of UGA at SC

No. 9 Georgia is set to face South Carolina at 7:30 ET in Columbia, televised on SEC Network.Here’s what the South Carolina media is saying.

No. 9 Georgia is set to face South Carolina at 7:30 ET in Columbia, televised on SEC Network.

South Carolina (2-6) led by former UGA quarterback Mike Bobo as interim coach is coming off of a 17-10 loss at Missouri last week.

Freshman quarterback Luke Doty replaced Senior Collyn Hill in the second half and is now set to get his first start as a Gamecock vs. the Bulldogs.

On the other side, Georgia is riding off of a terrific offensive performance in a 31-24 win vs. Mississippi State Saturday as USC transfer made his first start under center as a Bulldog and passed for 401 yards and four touchdowns.

Here’s what South Carolina media is saying about Georgia ahead of tonight’s game.

 

Final predictions: Carolina vs. Georgia

By John Whittle  – 247Sports 

“Will Muschamp and Kirby Smart are friends and we all know how that turned out last year. Mike Bobo and Kirby Smart are better friends but no love will be lost Saturday. Smart can’t afford to lose this game and needs to run it up if they expect to be any factor in the CFP rankings. I expect Doty to start and while he will make some frustrating mistakes, he will spark the Gamecocks to another stunner. South Carolina 24 – Georgia 21”

 

 

Five numbers to know before South Carolina’s football game against No. 9 Georgia

By Eric Boynton – Spartenberg Herald 

“32.1 – that’s Georgia’s average yardage on kickoff returns which ranks second only to LSU in the Southeastern Conference and third nationally. That’s nearly10 yards more than any of the teams next in line. Special teams could play a big part in this game with the Bulldogs also leading the league in kickoff return coverage and punting.”

 

 

Gameday Guide: Gamecocks vs Georgia

By GC Staff – Rivals

“Collyn Taylor: Georgia is good with a defense predicated on stopping the run, which South Carolina is going to rely on heavily. Best-case scenario for South Carolina is starting a true freshman likely without his No. 1 target in Shi Smith. Defensively South Carolina is held together like a MacGyver bomb, so it will be hard to stop a good Georgia rushing attack and a revitalized passing attack from JT Daniels. It’s going to be a tough row to hoe. Georgia 38, South Carolina 13”

Dawgs, make sure you’re caught up on all things Georgia football before the game! I breakdown it all, including JT Daniels’ big performance and what it means for UGA in 2021 in this week’s episode of UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton. Listen here:

 

 

Report: South Carolina QB Luke Doty to make first start for Gamecocks vs. Georgia

Freshman quarterback Luke Doty will be under center for South Carolina tonight vs. No. 9 Georgia. Details and analysis here.

We have expected to see freshman quarterback Luke Doty under center for South Carolina tonight vs. No. 9 Georgia and that is now confirmed, according to ABC Columbia’s Mike Gillespie.

Doty, a former 4-star recruit out of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, brings a dual-threat to a Gamecocks offense that will need some spark if they are going to give Georgia any type of battle.

Doty started the second half last week vs. Missouri, replacing senior Collin Hill and didn’t do much only managing 10 points, but showed promise particularly in the run game.

He completed 14 of 23 passes for 130 yards and an interception, while rushing 11 times for 59 yards.

He will face a Bulldogs defense that has been riddled with injuries this season. The Dawgs are still down star safety Richard LeCounte, who is out with rib injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident three weeks ago and star defensive lineman Jordan Davis has missed time with an elbow injury, however he may be able to go in Columba tonight.

The game is set to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. on SEC Network.

Dawgs, make sure you’re caught up on all things Georgia football before the game! I breakdown it all, including JT Daniels’ big performance and what it means for UGA in 2021 in this week’s episode of UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton. Listen here:

 

Georgia vs. South Carolina: Key matchups to watch

Here are the key matchups to watch when Georgia football travels to Columbia to take on South Carolina Saturday night on SEC Network.

No. 9 Georgia (5-2) is set to take on South Carolina (2-6) Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on SEC Network.

The Bulldogs travel to Columbia in what the SEC is calling ‘rivalry week’ in 2020’s conference-only schedule. 

The Gamecocks are led by interim coach Mike Bobo, former Georgia quarterback and offensive coordinator, after four-year coach Will Muschamp was fired earlier this season.

South Carolina lost to Missouri 17-10 on Saturday in a game that featured two different quarterbacks under center for the Gamecocks.

Freshman dual-threat Luke Doty replaced senior Collin Hill at halftime and as of now, we expect to see Doty at signal caller vs. the Bulldogs.

Georgia comes in to this one riding a 31-24 win vs. Mississippi State in which USC transfer quarterback JT Daniels looked like a star, throwing for 401yards and four touchdowns on 28 of 38 passing in his first start as a Georgia Bulldog.

Here are the key matchups to watch for when Georgia travels to Columbia Saturday night.

UGA QB JT Daniels projected as 2021 first-round pick in latest NFL mock draft

CBS Sports projects Georgia QB JT Daniels as 2021 first round pick in latest NFL mock draft. Details and analysis here.

USC transfer quarterback JT Daniels seemed to turn some heads after his blistering 400-yard performance in his first start as a Georgia Bulldog.

He completed 28 of 38 passes for 401 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions vs. Mississippi State last Saturday and now, in the latest CBS Sports NFL mock draft, he’s projected as the No. 17 overall pick to the Chicago Bears.

CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso wrote, “Another swing at the quarterback position for the Bears. Daniels is a top talent with a strong arm, rapid release and accuracy to all levels of the field. And if he continues to play like did in his Georgia debut, there will be first-round buzz for him.”

Mock drafts at this point in the year are purely speculation as many variables are yet to be known before the draft takes place on April 29 – May 1.

JT Daniels missed 14 months of football after suffering an ACL tear in 2019 while at USC, and while he played great this passed Saturday, it was against a bad Mississippi State defense that sold out to stop the Georgia run game.

Point being, the sample size is not nearly large enough to expect Daniels as a mid first-round pick next year, even after a year under his belt at USC where he threw for 2,672 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Daniels will get another chance to prove his potential when No. 9 Georgia takes on South Carolina this Saturday night at 7:30 p.m., televised on SEC Network.

 

5 reasons why Georgia beats South Carolina

No. 9 Georgia (5-2) travels to Columbia to face South Carolina (2-6) Saturday night. Here’s 5 reasons why the Dawgs win.

DawgNation, we’d usually be getting ready to watch Georgia take on Georgia Tech in the matchup of Clean Old Fashioned Hate, but just like everything in 2020, we have a curveball coming our way.

That’s right, No. 9 Georgia (5-2) travels to Columbia to face South Carolina (2-6) in what the SEC is calling ‘rivalry week’.

The Gamecocks are led by interim head coach, former Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, after South Carolina fired coach Will Muschamp after four mediocre seasons in Columbia.

Georgia is coming off of a 31-24 win vs. Mississippi State and a spectacular 400-yard showing by USC transfer JT Daniels in his first start at quarterback as a Bulldog.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET and will be televised on the SEC Network

Here is 5 reasons why the Dawgs get the win in Columbia.