Tag: Timley

Georgia’s RB room ranks top 3 despite losing both leading rushers

Why Georgia’s RB room ranks among the best in the nation despite losing Kendall Milton, Daijun Edwards…

Georgia’s history of keeping its backfield loaded with talent on a yearly basis is expected to continue in 2024, despite losing its two leading rushers from 2023 in Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards.

Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick recently ranked UGA’s running back room as the third-best in all of college football, coming in behind Ohio State and UCF.

“Georgia may have lost its two leading rushers from last year in Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton, but the Bulldogs still have a top-three room in the nation.

They made a major splash in the transfer portal by bringing in Trevor Etienne from its rival, Florida. The younger brother of Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. tied for fourth among SEC halfbacks in 2023 with a 27% forced missed tackle rate.

Branson Robinson missed all of 2023 with a ruptured patellar tendon but impressed as a true freshman in 2022 with a 78.1 grade on 118 snaps. He was the No. 2 running back recruit in the 2022 class, so expectations will be high for him in his third season. Roderick Robinson II was a top-10 running back recruit in the 2023 cycle and should contribute more as a sophomore.

Finally, the Bulldogs added three four-star running backs from the class of 2024 in Nathaniel Frazier, Dwight Phillips and Chauncey Bowens. Frazier has the most hype of the three as he was the No. 2 running back recruit and a top-50 player overall.”

Etienne immediately became the Bulldogs’ most experienced rusher when he joined the team this spring. Roderick Robinson II has just 24 attempts under his belt, while Branson Robinson still has to prove his surgically repaired knee is healthy enough to see game action. Robinson did flash as a true freshman in 2022, racking up 330 yards and three touchdowns on 68 carries.

After Andrew Paul elected to transfer to Jackson State this spring, the two Robinsons are the best options for immediate impact behind Etienne, who looked electric in Georgia’s G-Day spring scrimmage game. He racked up nearly 1,500 rushing yards with 14 touchdowns in two years with the Gators.

UGA’s offense is certainly headlined by Carson Beck and the passing game, but don’t look over this backfield in Athens. Georgia won’t play for a national championship without a solid run game to compliment the air attack.

Massive 4-star DL includes Georgia among final schools

Class of 2025 DL Mariyon Dye has Georgia football among his final eight schools…

Georgia is in the running for class of 2025 four-star defensive lineman Mariyon Dye out of Elkhart High School (Indiana). The 6-foot-5, 255-pound edge defender has a massive 7-foot-1 wing span.

Dye is rated as the No. 16 edge, the No. 137 recruit in the country and the No. 3 player in Indiana, per 247Sports Composite. He earned a scholarship from the Bulldogs in October.

Dye is down to Georgia, LSU, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Florida State and Purdue. He currently has official visits scheduled to Purdue (May 31), UGA (June 7), OSU (June 14), FSU (June 18) and UT (June 21).

Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs are apt at signing elite talent along the defensive line. A large part of that success is due to the level of development that is provided in Athens. With Mykel Williams and Chaz Chambliss likely off to the NFL draft next spring, the door will be open for the next line of edge defenders to make their mark.

Georgia is off to a decent start in the class of 2025 and has several top recruiting targets committing over the next month.

Details emerge on Brock Bowers’ massive rookie contract with Raiders

Former Georgia TE Brock Bowers’ rookie deal with Las Vegas worth over $18 million…

Former Georgia tight end Brock Bowers is a Las Vegas Raider, and he’ll be paid handsomely in his rookie contract.

The No. 13 pick in the 2024 NFL draft will make upward of $18.1 million, fully guaranteed, over four years with a $10 million signing bonus. A much-deserved payday for one of the greatest Georgia players of all-time and the best tight end in college football history. Georgia rookies are projected to sign a combined $73.5 million in contracts.

Bowers is the only player to twice earn the Mackey Award, which is given to the nation’s top player at the position. He is also one of three Bulldogs to earn consensus All-American honors three times (Herschel Walker, David Pollack).

In 40 games over three seasons, Bowers racked up 175 receptions for 2,538 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also added 193 yards rushing and five scores on the ground.

Bowers provides the Raiders with versatility. He can line up at almost any skill position and win reps. It’s only a matter of time before he makes his mark as a pro.

5-star WR schedules official visit to Georgia

Elite 2025 wide receiver Derek Meadows has set an official visit to Georgia…

Five-star wide receiver Derek Meadows, one of the top players at his position in the country, has scheduled an official visit to Georgia this summer. The Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) product earned a scholarship offer from the Bulldogs in February.

Meadows has set his visit to Athens for June 7. He will also visit Michigan (May 31), Notre Dame (June 14), LSU (June 18) and Alabama (June 21), per 247Sports’ Tom Loy.

The 6-foot-5, 200-pound wideout is rated as the No. 1 player in Nevada, the No. 6 wide receiver and the No. 32 player in the 2025 class, according to the 247Sports rankings.

Meadows doesn’t just stand out on the gridiron. He earned Nevada 2023 Gatorade Track and Field Player of the Year as a sophomore for Bishop Gorman.

Rivals, On3 and 247Sports project Meadows to commit to Notre Dame, but never count out Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs. New wide receivers coach James Coley recently added four-star wideout Thomas Blackshear to UGA’s 2025 class.

UGA’s Mykel Williams, Carson Beck first-two overall picks in 2025 NFL mock draft

NFL analyst projects Mykel Williams and Carson Beck to come off the board first in 2025 NFL draft…

Georgia football sent eight players through the 2024 NFL draft over the weekend, the lowest number of Bulldogs taken since 2021 (9).

Considering the returning talent UGA possesses on its 2024 roster, the 2025 NFL draft is shaping up to possibly contend with Georgia’s own draft record of 15 selections in 2022. More than 20 players will have the opportunity to declare, including underclassmen headed into their third season of eligibility.

Although its very early, one of the most intriguing 2025 NFL mock drafts comes from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. He has Georgia edge defender Mykel Williams as the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers, followed by Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck at No. 2 overall to the Tennessee Titans.

Brugler writes of Williams:

“At this time last year, it was easy to put together the top of my mock, with stars like Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. But the 2025 draft class doesn’t have that type of established star power, leaving the No. 1 pick wide-open.

A toolsy prospect, Williams’ 2023 tape doesn’t show consistency, but there are high highs, including what he did in the bowl game against Florida State.”

Brugler writes of Beck:

“If the Titans are drafting this high next April, the organization might be re-examining its quarterback situation.

In his first year as a starter, Beck got consistently better with each performance and put some beautiful throws on tape. He enters the season as the quarterback scouts like the most.”

It’s not crazy to think that Williams and Beck will hear their names called early next spring. However, it would be surprising for Georgia to produce the first two picks of the seven-round event.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker is the last No. 1 overall pick to come out of Athens (2022). The Dawgs have never had the first two overall picks.

Additionally, Brugler has Georgia safety Malaki Starks going No. 12 to the Indianapolis Colts and offensive tackle Earnest Greene II taken by the Cleveland Browns at pick No. 16.

Georgia produced five first-round picks in 2022. We could see a similar mark in the 2025 NFL draft.

Raiders fans are not confident about Brock Bowers NFL draft selection

Raiders fans don’t know what to make of Brock Bowers pick in first round of 2024 NFL draft…

If you ask any Georgia Bulldogs fan, they will tell you that Brock Bowers is the best player in the 2024 NFL draft.

Los Vegas fans, however, don’t seem to know what to make of Bowers going No. 13 to the Raiders during Thursday night’s first round.

Las Vegas was expected to add a defender or a franchise quarterback headed into Antonio Pierce’s first draft as Raiders head coach. When Las Vegas was put on the clock at No. 13, all six of the best passers in the class were taken, but no defender had came off the board yet.

Surely the Raiders would go defense, right?

That wasn’t the case. Pierce and the Las Vegas elected to go with arguably the best player available, Bowers. You would think that even though fans were likely thinking defense, a generational talent that can change an offense would suffice. After all, the three-time All-American and two-time Mackey Award winner will go down as one of, if not the best, college football players of all time.

Here’s a look at a Las Vegas draft party where mixed emotions around the pick were evident:

On the surface, adding Bowers to a tight end room that already features former All-American and second-round draft pick, Michael Mayer, is an interesting selection that early in the draft. However, Bowers and the Georgia offense thrived in a two-tight end system for the last three seasons.

In three years at UGA, Bowers racked up an outstanding 175 receptions for 2,538 yards and 26 receiving touchdowns. He also added 19 rushing attempts for 193 yards and five scores on the ground.

Bowers is much more than a pass catcher. He can line up out wide, in-line or at H-back. He provides a level of versatility that can change any offense for the better.

‘He’s everything’: Mel Kiper summarizes Brock Bowers’ skill set ahead of 2024 NFL draft

‘He’s everything’: Mel Kiper describes Georgia tight end Brock Bowers as NFL draft prospect

Despite a three-time All-American and two-time Mackey Award winning career, Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers isn’t projected be taken earlier than 10th in the 2024 NFL draft.

Why is a talent like Bowers not in the running for a top five pick?

The answer to that question surrounds how loaded this year’s draft class is at prime positions. Quarterbacks, wide receivers, offensive tackles and edge defenders are expected to fill the bulk of those early selections and most of the first-round picks. That may be the only aspect preventing Bowers from going within the top 10.

It’s clear that where Bowers is projected to land isn’t due to his talent, skill set or character. ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said it best on his “First Draft” show in early April.

“Give me a break. He’s just a tight end? He’s everything. Watch him play. …You can use him in the backfield. You can put him anywhere on the football field. He is a nightmare trying to match up with. I don’t care where he goes, he’s going to be a whale of a pick.

He could be in line to be Rookie of the Year in the NFL if he goes to the right team and the right quarterback. I love Brock Bowers. I loved him when he came to Georgia. He was an immediate impact performer.”

In three years at UGA, Bowers racked up an outstanding 175 receptions for 2,538 yards and 26 receiving touchdowns. He added 19 rushing attempts for 193 yards and five scores on the ground.

Kiper projects Bowers to land with the New York Jets with the 10th pick, pairing him with star wideout Garret Wilson and future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. One could imagine how dangerous that group could be if New York can solidify its offensive line.

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We’ll find out for sure where Bowers will take his talents during the first round of the 2024 NFL draft in Detroit on Thursday. You can watch full coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

One Georgia player makes list of SEC’s instant impact freshmen for 2024

Ellis Robinson IV listed as impact freshman for 2024…

Georgia football will likely feature some true freshman in the secondary this fall after the departures of starters Javon Bullard, Tykee Smith and Kamari Lassiter.

At cornerback, early enrollee Ellis Robinson IV may have the most upside. The former five-star recruit signed with the Bulldogs as the highest-rated player at the position in the Kirby Smart era.

Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Sporting News recently attempted to list the SEC’s impact freshmen. Robinson was mentioned for the Bulldogs.

“Georgia lost multiple key contributors this offseason in the secondary, including All-American Tykee Smith. The Bulldogs have done an excellent job developing talent in the secondary, which makes Ellis Robinson IV the perfect candidate for an instant-impact freshman.

Robinson was a consensus five-star prospect and No. 1 cornerback in the class of 2024. He was a semifinalist for the Maxwell Football Club Defensive Player of the Year and started 19 games at cornerback over the past two seasons. He has the size that head coach Kirby Smart loves at cornerback, which should earn him plenty of playing time for the Bulldogs this season.”

It’s easy to get ahead of ourselves when it comes to highlighting young players that may make a big impact. While Robinson has all the talent to be a star, Smart isn’t one to throw players into the lineup without them proving themselves on the practice field.

We’ll get our first real look of Robinson in a Georgia uniform at UGA’s annual G-Day scrimmage game on April 13. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET (SEC Network+).

 

Georgia’s new-look secondary named biggest question mark of spring practice

Cornerbacks are in the spotlight this spring as the Bulldogs’ search for potential starters…

Georgia football is used to massive amounts of roster turnover year-by-year, but 2024 may be one of the toughest challenges, in that regard, for Kirby Smart and staff.

It’s no secret that the majority of questions land on UGA’s new-look secondary. Georgia has to replace three starters in cornerback Kamari Lassiter and safeties Tykee Smith and Javon Bullard.

While there is plenty of talent to choose from at safety and STAR, cornerback is the biggest question, according to CBS Sports.

“Who steps up at cornerback? It’s hard to find any holes when looking at Georgia’s roster, but if there is one major question mark, it lies in the secondary. Specifically, the Bulldogs are losing two starting cornerbacks to the NFL Draft. Kamari Lassiter is a potential first-round pick and Tykee Smith’s versatility is virtually irreplaceable. On top of that, UGA is breaking in a new cornerbacks coach (Donte Williams) and a new secondary coach (Travaris Robinson) this spring.

It helps that Georgia is returning one starter in Daylen Everette, though he was inconsistent in 2023. His potential running mates on the outside are sophomore Daniel Harris, who finished his freshman season with one tackle, and third-year DB Julian Humphrey, who’s coming off a season-ending injury suffered in November. Five-star freshman Ellis Robinson is a name to know, too. The slot corner position — known as STAR in Georgia’s nomenclature — seems to be in good hands with sophomore Joenel Aguero, but he has big shoes to fill with Smith’s departure.”

What Daniel Harris, Julian Humphrey and Ellis Robinson IV lack in experience, they make up for in athletic ability. We’ve heard Smart rave about the trio’s coverage ability this spring.

It’s worth noting that UGA’s staff won’t force one player to take all the work. Georgia’s defense is known for rotating in defenders throughout the game, especially in the secondary.

The challenge this spring will be to get Donte Williams up to speed and ensure those who are in contention at cornerback are comfortable with the defensive scheme.

The Bulldogs will suit up for the annual G-Day spring scrimmage game on April 13. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET, televised on SEC Network+.

Georgia’s Sanford Stadium included in top-11 most intimidating CFB environments

Sanford Stadium comes in ahead of programs like Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee and Texas A&M…

Georgia’s Sanford Stadium always seems to be overlooked when the “best environment” debate is raised each year.

That’s not the case to 247Sports’ Brad Crawford, who recently attempted to list the top-11 most intimidating environments in all of college football for the 2024 season.

Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee and Texas A&M are widely considered as some of the best environments that the SEC and college football has to offer. For what it’s worth, the Bulldogs are ahead of all of those venues in Crawford’s mind.

“Georgia holds college football’s longest active home winning streak at 25 games approaching the 2024 season, the Bulldogs’ last loss coming against South Carolina way back in 2019. They’ve won two national championships over that stretch and narrowly missed a shot at a three-peat last fall after losing to Alabama in Atlanta prior to the selection committee’s final vote. This year’s home schedule includes Tennessee and Auburn for the Bulldogs. Both of those game should approach record attendance.” — Crawford

CFB’s most intimidating environments for 2024

11. Doak Campbell Stadium (Florida State)

10. Bryant-Denny Stadium (Alabama)

9. Lane Stadium (Virginia Tech)

8. Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn)

7. Autzen Stadium (Oregon)

6. Beaver Satdium (Penn State)

5. Neyland Stadium (Tennessee)

4. Michigan Stadium (Michigan)

3. Kyle Field (Texas A&M)

2. Sanford Stadium (Georgia)

1. Tiger Stadium (LSU)

The Bulldogs will suit up in Sanford for the annual G-Day scrimmage game on April 13. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET, televised on SEC Network+.