ATHENS – The fighting game in Georgia is in good hands, and a recharge defense is not as bad as some have feared.
It was the two biggest takeaways from the Bulldogs’ annual G-Day game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, which was won 28-23 with the first team attack (Red Team) over the first-team defense (Black Team).
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The final score was not as important as the performance and growth of many young players, most of whom at once took on significantly larger roles, on Coach Kirby Smart to deliver a national championship.
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The pressure to win the grand prize is, of course, internal. In this case, Smart is certainly aware that quarterbacks like JT Daniels are not coming together too often, and that they are unlikely to stay after the kind of season the Bulldogs are expected to offend in 2021.
Here is a “report card” reflection on the immediate takeaways from the survey and what was learned at each position group.
Quarterbacks (A-)
JT Daniels was great with his decision making and throwing. Carson Beck looks like the number 2 QB with his fluid movement and large arm, though the physical talents of Brock Vandagriff are obvious, and one wonders what he would look like once he was familiar with the offense. Stetson Bennett, wiley as always, was first to get his team on the scoreboard. Yes, every QB except Daniels had a turnover, but there was nothing disturbing.
Running Rugby (B-)
The Bulldogs’ crowded backfield was solid but not sensational, and no one could break down a run longer than 9 yards on their 24 combined attempts. Zamir White and Kendall Milton proved they were capable of catching pass rate, but it does not look like they are catching the ball or being as dynamic in the open field as James Cook (6 catches, 61 yards). Daijun Edwards looks good on his limited touch.
Recipients (C +)
It is important to be in perspective that the recipients had an inexperienced secondary program that played vanilla coverage, and that there was still incorrect communication and passes. The rookie Adonai Mitchell got a nice catch (7-105), but there were six other throws he did not catch, including two drops. Demetris Robertson caught four catches for 88 yards, but his catch radius remained limited, and his footwork was down on a ball caught off-limits. Kearis Jackson does not appear to be 100 percent, but the tough WR leader has caught all four balls thrown to his side for 50 yards. Arian Smith, who divides his time with the track, does not meet any of the targets and is overturned by Beck.
Stiff points (A)
Georgia fans looking for a position group to get excited about can focus on the fixed points, where human-child Darnell Washington was seen again. Washington’s 51-yard catch and truck was the highlight of the day for at least one sports writer, and his hands and focus were also impressive on his TD catch. Brock Bowers was a clutch with a big third catch for 25 yards. John FitzPatrick has scored just one catch, but he is expected to be a target for Daniels as the season draws to a close.
Offensive line (C)
It looked like a group where players changed positions a lot because they did, and the synchronization suffered. There were good moments, but also times that made one wonder if this group of Daniels could do enough. Xavier Truss started wrong twice, and Warren McClendon was beaten by Nolan Smith for a bag. The head coach noticed how this unit was pushed back from the ball, something that did not happen with Georgia’s offensive lines under Smart. 6 bags were delivered.
Defense line (A-)
Smart said he is concerned about the overweight of Jordan Davis, and it is valid. Davis looks half a step down and stops only once. Jalen Carter (4 tackles) and Devonte Wyatt (2 sacks) impressed and Zion Logue recovered a bag, a pass and a fumble. Travon Walker also had a bag and 4 dives. Nolan Smith had 6 dives and a bag. Tramel Walthour had 5 stops. The power of the team, even if Davis is a bit off his game.
Linebackers (B +)
Quay Walker changed numbers (to No. 7) and his allotment efficiency, making a team height of 8 tackles and looking like the answer at midfield back. Channing Tindall missed an open-field tackle and finished with four stops, a talented player who is still a job. It was encouraging to tackle freshman Smael Mondon. Graham Collins had a QB bag.
Secondary (C)
It’s a work in progress, in that the signing, Javon Bullard, was the Red Team’s leading tackle with 7 points, while the second – year safety, Major Burns, had 6. Lewis Cine had 5 points and an interception to lead the first team DBs. Ameer Speed had 7 tackles and 2 PBUs, but also got his feet mixed up with Demetris Robertson and gave up a 59-yard TD. Jalen Kimber reaffirmed his status as CB1 which concludes fallout exercises. Dan Jackson intercepted, and Kelee Ringo flashed with a big hit on defensive receiver Ladd McConkey.
Special teams (I)
This is an incomplete degree. There was no tackle in the return game, so it was difficult to evaluate many of Kearis Jackson or Ladd McConkey’s points and kicks. Jake Camarda is an All-American punter, but he missed all three of his field goal attempts (42, 44, 57). Jack Podlesny made his only attempt (35).
Overall (B)
Georgia looked like a well-coached team that misses dynamic players in key places. It could be a matter of the long, physical spring session that takes juice out of the players’ legs. The Bulldogs drilled well, but not necessarily bright or explosive. The schemes were vanilla in offense and defense, so it’s hard to know what to expect against Clemson on Sept. 4, and that’s the way Smart likes it.
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