What Georgia Bulldogs are returning for another season instead of entering the 2021 NFL Draft? UGA returns a lot on offense.
The Georgia Bulldogs have lost a lot of talent to the 2021 NFL Draft, but at the same time, Georgia is returning a lot of key talent on offense and in the trenches. Quarterback JT Daniels headlines the University of Georgia players who are returning for another season in 2021.
The 2020 college football season was unique and will not count against player’s eligibility. Seniors can return for another season.
Here’s all of the top Georgia players who have elected to return to Athens instead of entering into the 2021 NFL Draft:
Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Owen Condon has seen action in four games throughout his career at UGA.
Owen Condon, Offensive Line (#75):
Class: Redshirt Sophomore
Height: 6-7
Weight: 310 pounds
Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
High School: Bishop McGuinness High School
Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Owen Condon came to the University of Georgia as a three-star recruit. Condon redshirted as a freshman in 2018. He played in only one game last season, against Arkansas State. He saw 15 snaps n that contest.
Condon will compete with Xavier Truss, Jamaree Salyer, Warren Ericson, Justin Shaffer, Warren McClendon, Broderick Jones, and more for playing time. Condon is projected to be a depth player next season, but don’t count him out. He’s got great size at six-foot-seven and Georgia lost several starters along the offensive front from last season.
Georgia Bulldogs offensive line coach Matt Luke isn’t short on talent despite losing three players to the 2020 NFL Draft. Condon did pick up some experience as a freshman, where he played in three games.
Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Ben Cleveland is among the most experienced returning members of UGA’s talented offensive front.
Ben Cleveland, Offensive Line (#74):
Class: Senior
Height: 6-6
Weight: 335 pounds
Hometown: Toccoa, Georgia
High School: Stephens County High School
Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Ben Cleveland is among the most experienced returning members of UGA’s talented offensive front. Cleveland has played in 36 total games over his three seasons in Georgia. Cleveland redshirted as a freshman back in 2016. Cleveland started at right guard in seven games last season.
Cleveland will be the strongest player on Georgia’s team next season. He’s a player to watch at the 2021 NFL Combine. Cleveland is a freak athlete and will be worth watching on the bench press, where he should crush it.
Cleveland will compete with Xavier Truss, Jamaree Salyer, Warren Ericson, Justin Shaffer, Warren McClendon, Broderick Jones, and more for a starting role in 2020. Fans should expect Cleveland to be a starter next season. The main question is where?
Georgia Bulldogs offensive line coach Matt Luke isn’t short on talent despite losing three players to the 2020 NFL Draft. Cleveland will help Georgia fill in the experience lost from last season. He missed the 2020 Sugar Bowl against Baylor due to academic issues, but he gave the Dawgs a big boost with his return for his senior season.
Numerous Georgia Bulldogs have decided to return to UGA or head to the NFL Draft including: Jake Fromm, D’Andre Swift, and more.
Veteran members of the Georgia Bulldogs have been contemplating a tough decision these past couple months: enter the 2020 NFL Draft or return to Athens for another season. Each player’s decision is their own choice, but it is always beneficial to a program when veteran players return for another shot at the College Football Playoffs.
Nov 2, 2019; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart talks with quarterback Jake Fromm (11) as they beat the Florida Gators at TIAA Bank Field. UGA fans will miss Fromm, who went 3-0 in his career versus Florida. Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
On the other side of the football, offensive linemen Justin Shaffer and Ben Cleveland will be back. UGA’s offensive line has been purged by the NFL and a transfer.
College football players have until the 20th of January to determine if they wish to enter into the 2020 NFL Draft. Juniors and redshirt sophomores are the primary players contemplating their NFL decisions.
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Georgia will notably lose the following key seniors as well: kicker Rodrigo Blankenship, defensive tackle Michael Barnett, defensive lineman David Marshall, defensive lineman Tyler Clark, linebacker Tae Crowder, receiver Tyler Simmons, safety J.R. Reed, receiver Lawrence Cager, tight end Eli Wolf, tight end Charlie Woerner, and running back Brian Herrien. UGA is losing several other seniors, who didn’t play as much as this group.
Oct 5, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Richard LeCounte (2) celebrates with defensive back J.R. Reed (20) after intercepting a pass during the third quarter in a game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Photo Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Bulldog defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt has no public statement about his NFL decision, but it is assumed he’s coming back. Wyatt helped UGA not allow a single rushing touchdown to a running back in 2020.
Georgia’s offseason will have many ups and downs. The NFL Combine and Senior Bowl is next on the list for many of these UGA greats.
Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Ben Cleveland is returning to UGA for his senior season
The Georgia Bulldogs have lost numerous starters along their offensive front heading into the 2020 season. The Dawgs have lost four of their previous five starting offensive lineman from the 2019 season: LT Andrew Thomas (NFL), LG Solomon Kindley, RG Cade Mays (transfer to Tennessee), and RT Isaiah Wilson (NFL). UGA need all the help they can get at offensive line with the line only returning starting center Trey Hill.
Fortunately for Georgia, offensive lineman Ben Cleveland is returning to Athens for his senior season. Cleveland is projected to start at right guard for UGA this season. Cleveland returns as a key lineman with sixteen games of starting experience.
Cleveland announced his decision to return on the last day to declare for the 2020 NFL Draft. DawgNation’s Jeff Sentell initially reported Cleveland’s return:
Georgia additionally got good news earlier this week: lineman Justin Shaffer has been cleared following a neck sprain. Ben Cleveland missed the Sugar Bowl due to an academic issue, but will look to get that sorted out ahead of the 2020 season opener against Virginia.
Numerous Georgia Bulldogs are headed to the NFL Draft, including QB Jake Fromm. UGA is losing several lineman and lots of defenders.
It’s decision time for many of the veteran members of the Georgia Bulldogs: enter the 2020 NFL Draft or return to Athens for another season. Each player’s decision is their own choice, but it is always beneficial to a program when veteran players return for another shot at the College Football Playoffs.
Nov 2, 2019; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart talks with quarterback Jake Fromm (11) as they beat the Florida Gators at TIAA Bank Field. UGA fans will miss Fromm, who went 3-0 in his career versus Florida. Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
On the other side of the football, offensive lineman Justin Shaffer will be back. UGA’s offensive line has been purged by the NFL and a transfer.
College football players have until the 20th of January to determine if they wish to enter into the 2020 NFL Draft. Juniors and redshirt sophomores are the primary players contemplating their NFL decisions.
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Georgia will notably lose the following key seniors as well: kicker Rodrigo Blankenship, defensive tackle Michael Barnett, defensive lineman David Marshall, defensive lineman Tyler Clark, linebacker Tae Crowder, receiver Tyler Simmons, safety J.R. Reed, receiver Lawrence Cager, tight end Eli Wolf, tight end Charlie Woerner, and running back Brian Herrien. UGA is losing several other seniors, who didn’t play as much as this group.
Oct 5, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Richard LeCounte (2) celebrates with defensive back J.R. Reed (20) after intercepting a pass during the third quarter in a game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Photo Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
The rest of UGA’s juniors and redshirt sophomores have yet to reach their decisions or are expected to return. Here’s the most important veteran player deciding on his NFL future:
DL Devonte Wyatt
For now, UGA is mostly finished with players entering the NFL Draft. Wyatt is anticipated to return. Georgia’s offseason will still have many ups and downs.
Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Eric Stokes Jr. is returning to Athens for another season between the hedges. He was eligible for the NFL Draft.
Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Eric Stokes Jr. is returning to Athens for another season between the hedges. Stokes is Georgia’s best corner and is a key piece for UGA’s talented 2020 secondary. Stokes is a redshirt sophomore, but has more than enough talent to declare for the 2020 NFL Draft.
Today, Stokes Jr. joined fellow secondary mates Mark Webb and Richard LeCounte in returning for another season at Georgia. Stokes announced his decision via Twitter:
Stokes recorded nine pass deflections and thirty-eight tackles in 2019. He started every game for Georgia. Stokes’ best game came against the Tennessee Volunteers when he deflected three passes and forced one memorable fumble:
This hit put an exclamation point of UGA’s win in Knoxville. Stokes will continue to make a huge impact for Dan Lanning’s defense. He didn’t put up big-time numbers in 2020, but that is attributed to teams respecting him and throwing against other players.
Georgia football’s QB Jake Fromm, LB Monty Rice, OL Solomon Kindley, and DL Devonte Wyatt are among the list of players considering the NFL.
It’s decision time for many of the veteran members of the Georgia Bulldogs: enter the 2020 NFL Draft or return to Athens for another season. Each players decision is their own choice, but it is always beneficial to a program when veteran players return for another shot at the College Football Playoffs.
Kirby Smart and D’Andre Swift walk off the field after defeating the Texas A&M Aggies at Sanford Stadium. Swift’s last game in Athens was one of his best. Photo courtesy of Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Georgia’s defense is getting a boost with the returns of safety Richard LeCounte and defensive lineman Malik Herring.
College football players have until the 20th of January to determine if they wish to enter into the 2020 NFL Draft. Juniors and redshirt sophomores are the primary players contemplating their NFL decisions.
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Georgia will notably lose the following key seniors as well: kicker Rodrigo Blankenship, defensive tackle Michael Barnett, defensive lineman David Marshall, defensive lineman Tyler Clark, linebacker Tae Crowder, receiver Tyler Simmons, safety J.R. Reed, receiver Lawrence Cager, tight end Eli Wolf, tight end Charlie Woerner, and running back Brian Herrien. UGA is losing several other seniors, who didn’t play as much as this group.
Oct 5, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Richard LeCounte (2) celebrates with defensive back J.R. Reed (20) after intercepting a pass during the third quarter in a game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Photo Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
The rest of UGA’s juniors and redshirt sophomores have yet to reach their decisions. Here’s the most important veteran players deciding on their NFL futures:
