ATHENS – Arik Gilbert’s decision to switch from LSU to Florida instead of Georgia can be summed up in four words: “There is only one ball.”
It was certainly not difficult for Gilbert to determine that there is an opportunity to throw more in his direction in Florida, where the Gators are replacing the predicted first round Kyle Pitts than he could get on UGA.
The Bulldogs would have been an attractive option because they were able to play a College Football Playoff Championship, and they play in a pro-style offensive system.
But Gilbert would probably have to wait until the 2022 season to get the kind of volume he enjoyed at LSU, where he averaged 7 catches and 74 yards per game last season before excluding.
Florida is in the midst of a rebuild with Heisman Trophy finalist Kyle Trask continuing with the quarterfinals.
However, the volume available in the Gators’ passing game is undeniable.
The Gators lose their first three catchers – Pitts and receivers Kadarius Toney, Trevon Grimes.
Together, these three players accounted for more than half of Florida’s catches (151-296, .510) and receiving yard (2343-4272, .548), in addition to 32 of the Gators’ 42 TD passes (.761) during the regular season. season.
Meanwhile, Georgia currently produces 170 of 178 catches (.955), along with 2,364 of 2,499 receiving yards (.945) and 18 of 19 TD catches (.947).
So some can and want to make more out of the decision Gilbert, a former Marietta High School, made 5-star forecast, it comes back to players and programs that find the right arrangements.
If Gilbert’s highest priority is more or less targets than he had at LSU n 2021, he’s better off with Florida.
Like any other year, Georgia is better off without having players in the program who are dissatisfied with their roles or recruited on false pretenses because it leads to chemical problems in the team.
Monks can and will add many adjustments and twists to the Bulldogs offense in 2021, but some elements are clearer than others, including a clipped use of tight ends with Darnell Washington, the great benefactor.
The attacking backfield has the appearance of a mashup, with the starting roll and spread of the handoffs much in the air.
But the backs will still be part of the passing game with James Cook’s explosive in the open field, and Kenny McIntosh’s reliable hands and trail running skills that are above the options there.
At the receiver, George Pickens and Jermaine Burton plan to be the UGA’s top targets next season. Dominick Blaylock could also return to the role, depending on how quickly he is able to form again after last year’s knee injury.
Much of what Monken plans and where JT Daniels eventually goes with football is determined by the defense to play UGA, but it is clear that the Bulldogs have options at every position.
The last four games last season, with Daniels as quarterback, provided an example of how the target share in the 2021 season could work out for 12 games.
In the last four games Georgia has played
• A passing game (41 called passes, 20 carries) with Mississippi State
• A running game (18 passes, 44 carries) in South Carolina
• Outstanding Winning Game (30 passes, 43 carries) in Missouri
• A come-from-behind game (42 passes, 21 carries) against Cincinnati
If we look at how the 119 targets have broken down in the last four games, it is clear that there is already a problem in finding enough of football.
Over the last four games of last season:
• Pickens caught 23 passes from 33 targets for 373 yards.
• Burton scored 17 catches from 24 targets for 274 yards.
• Kearis Jackson picked up 9 catches from 13 targets for 118 yards.
• Darnell Washington has five catches of 8 targets for 107 yards.
• John FitzParick scored 5 catches from 7 targets for 49 yards.
• Arian Smith had two catches from two targets for 86 yards.
The Georgia backs combined for 12 catches from 17 targets for 128 yards.
The only player who has passed the last four games and who has not yet returned is currently the striking Tre ‘McKitty, who has had three catches on 4 targets for 51 yards.
Then one must also consider:
• Arian Smith and Darnell Washington will significantly increase their target shares in 2021
• Blaylock is back from injury this season
Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint has not played in the last four games of the season
• Kendall Milton has not played three of the last four games of the regular season (injured)
• Demetris Robertson is still pondering to return to the team
It’s better that Georgia did not make promises to Gilbert not to be able to keep, because his hands will be full to maintain the current reception list in the beginning of the autumn camp.
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