Been watching tons of video on our 2023 signees and there is some special talent that could crack the 2-deep/get significant PT by the end of the year. Our depth on both sides of the ball is just insane so it won’t be easy.
RB
We could use 2 backs in this class as KMac is a senior and both Milton and Edwards will be seniors next year. Let's hope Paul recovers from the ACL nicely as he was turning heads before the injury (usually its year 2 when they fully bounce back). Branson is looking more and more like a future stud, especially after the Auburn game and the Natty – kid has a ton of upside just needs to get his pass-pro down. Top flight backs should salivate over our depth chart next year.
TE
Thank God Brock is back for one more year and DWash is likely declaring for the draft in the coming days (praying he’s a first rounder). Arik is gone. Delp (True Sophomore) is also a budding star who the coaching staff prepared to play starter minutes next year. Seither and Goede both hit the portal after the Natty as expected. There's room for Pearce to play if he's ready, Delp proved that. Luckie will also get his shot.
WR
At wideout we lose Kearis next year (I’ll miss his tenacity and versatility). Rosemy and Dom (not sure if he’ll return or not) will be seniors but everyone else is an underclassmen. Look for Ladd, AD, Arian, and Bell to lead the charge next year (hoping none of them transfer). With the way we distribute the ball there is ample opportunity for a freshman to crack the 2-deep. Williams and Evans are both very intriguing to me. Lovett and RaRa came to play so depth at the position should get very interesting – a new and great problem to have at UGA at the WR position.
OL
We return a ton of OL so I don't see any 2023 recruits cracking the 2-deep lineup for us next year except maybe one. I love this because young linemen, no matter how highly recruited they are need time to mature, learn the playbook, hone their technique, and maybe most importantly… get stronger. McClendon could get a high grade and decide to enter the draft and Jones (some think he’s the first OT off the board) will declare as well. Mims and Greene have the makings of a stud OT duo. While Willock, Tate and Micah should man the guard spots. Truss would be eligible as a true junior but I don't see him leaving (he can provide depth across the line at Guard or OT). Monroe fits the bill to be an immediate backup OT particularly since he’s enrolling early.
DL
We currently have only 1 senior along the DL in Tramel Walthour. We'll have 3 seniors (Brinson, Logue, and Nazir) next year and 88 declared early and likely will be the 2nd pick. Our depth is scary good but there's always room for more. The 2022 freshman trio of Bear, Shone and Christian will be fun to watch for years. Each has already flashed through the first four games - particularly Bear who's now getting starter minutes and looked really good in the Natty. Mykel will be a fixture at DE for sure (ended with 4.5 sacks) and I really like TID's game as well. 2 recruits could add immediate depth...
OLB / DE
The biggest position loss we have next year is losing seniors Nolan Smith and Beal at OLB. I look for Marvin Jones Jr. to fill one side and potentially Sherman/Sorey (probably both portal candidates) or Darris Smith (love his upside) on the other. I could also see Jalon Walker, with his athleticism, slide outside as he will be hard to keep off of the field. Chambliss and CJ will provide solid depth.
ILB
We return all of our inside linebackers. Trez and Rian will be seniors next year and one or both could transfer looking for more PT. JDJ and Smael will be juniors and both need to improve in coverage and both will IMO. Walker will be a true sophomore (love his upside but could move outside). Need some young bucks to fill the coffers at ILB next year…and boy do we have 3 studs coming.
Safety & Star
We lose Chris Smith next year which is a big loss. I think it's safe to say Starks and Bullard will start as long as they're on campus. Both Daniels (really like how he played against OSU and TCU when he got in) and Thomas have flashed as well. We could get Tykee back next year unless he decides to transfer for more PT. Smoke will add depth as well (looks like he enrolls this week). The future is bright at Safety and Star.
Corner
Ringo will likely declare for the draft and be one of 4 first rounders for UGA this year but thankfully we've got an embarrassment of young riches at corner pre-portal (Singletary entered the portal today as some expected). Between Lassiter, Everett, Humphrey, and Green it'll be hard to crack the 2-deep for any incoming freshman regardless of how talented they are. But it's possible for AJ, he’s that good.
RB
We could use 2 backs in this class as KMac is a senior and both Milton and Edwards will be seniors next year. Let's hope Paul recovers from the ACL nicely as he was turning heads before the injury (usually its year 2 when they fully bounce back). Branson is looking more and more like a future stud, especially after the Auburn game and the Natty – kid has a ton of upside just needs to get his pass-pro down. Top flight backs should salivate over our depth chart next year.
- Roderick Robinson – Huge Flip by Dell and Kirby! The first thing that stands out is his size at 6’1” 230lbs, but his feet make you think he's smaller as he moves laterally exceptionally well. Comes from Lincoln high school in San Diego that produced Marcus Allen and Terrell Davis. He also runs predominately out of the shotgun which I think helps him in Monken's offense. Shows sound vision and good balance with a healthy mix running in and outside the tackles. Finishes his runs with authority - RR2 is not an easy young man to bring down. Put on a clinic against Mater Dei rushing for 476yds and 8 TDs!!! He will get immediate carries for us next year. Love this pickup and love the Robinson I/Robinson II duo for next year. I like this young man’s film and potential better than Bama’s commitment Young. Early enrollee which is huge for picking up our offense and learning Pass Pro. Tough as nails as he played the last 4-5 games this year with a pulled hammy. Reminds me of fellow Californian Najee Harris out of HS.
TE
Thank God Brock is back for one more year and DWash is likely declaring for the draft in the coming days (praying he’s a first rounder). Arik is gone. Delp (True Sophomore) is also a budding star who the coaching staff prepared to play starter minutes next year. Seither and Goede both hit the portal after the Natty as expected. There's room for Pearce to play if he's ready, Delp proved that. Luckie will also get his shot.
- Pearce Spurlin - He's got ideal size at 6'6" 240 lbs (81 inch wingspan) for a TE. As an underclassmen, his HS team used him primarily on the outside at wideout so he'll have to grow accustomed to blocking in our system and playing in-line more, both of which take time. He has tremendous hands and high points the ball exceptionally well (made a ton of acrobatic catches - great catch radius). 74 receptions/1402 yards/22 TDs as a junior playing predominately WR. Solid speed and really crisp route runner. Also a committed blocker in his film just not asked to do it a whole lot. I like him a lot as a prospect and performed very well against his peers at the AA game (had a nice grab vs. Downs in 1-on-1s) after being injured for a good bit of his senior year. Likely won't redshirt and could crack the 2-deep with the way we use an abundance of TEs as mismatches.
- Luckie has the potential to play as well in a H-back, in-line TE hybrid role IMO as he’s a tremendous blocker and faster than most realize. Terrace Edwards said last week that Luckie runs fantastic routes – his words “as good an anyone on the team”. The more I watch his film, the more I like him. Bama wanted him bad and pushed hard, glad he remained committed to the good guys.
- If Duce commits I’d expect him to play immediately, some at TE and some split out wide as he often does in HS. He’s a unicorn and we know how to use unicorns. Lord knows Hartley can bring them in and he will use all who are ready. Reminds me of Jimmy Graham/Darren Waller.
WR
At wideout we lose Kearis next year (I’ll miss his tenacity and versatility). Rosemy and Dom (not sure if he’ll return or not) will be seniors but everyone else is an underclassmen. Look for Ladd, AD, Arian, and Bell to lead the charge next year (hoping none of them transfer). With the way we distribute the ball there is ample opportunity for a freshman to crack the 2-deep. Williams and Evans are both very intriguing to me. Lovett and RaRa came to play so depth at the position should get very interesting – a new and great problem to have at UGA at the WR position.
- Tyler Williams - really love his junior and senior film. Burst onto the scene as a junior after being the third string QB at Lakeland - crazy story. He went on to catch 11 of his 21 receptions for TDs in 2021 for an average of 29.3 yards per catch! At 6'4" 210-215 he moves extremely well in the open field (See his TD on Dec. 3rd from the wildcat against Osceola), something I think basketball has helped a lot with. Great vert, great burst/speed and hard to guard man to man. I agree with Holland, he’ll remind some of us old schoolers as a much thicker Fred Gibson the way he plays and moves with his basketball background. Reminds me of Mike Williams when he was at Clemson too. Watch Tyler’s junior film, first year as a WR is as impressive as it gets. His senior film is equally impressive and shows him scoring on short passes, long passes, kickoffs, punt returns and from the wildcat. You can tell he has a more expansive route tree this year and grew as a wideout. Very versatile on the field and could get a look at returning punts/kicks next year for us.
- Anthony Evans III - just enrolled which will be huge for his on-the-field and physical development (listed at 6’1” 170 lbs.). Reminds me of Devonta Smith with his size and speed (let’s hope he has half the impact DS did for Bama). Any WR that develops a blocking highlight reel on Hudl is legit in my book (go check it out, pretty impressive), especially since he is known for his speed and taking the top off of defenses. Solid route tree - heavy on long routes and hitch/stop-and-go’s to take advantage of his elite speed. Low 4.4 to high 4.3 runner who posted an impressive 10.27 in the 100m (1st in state) and 21.10 (3rd in state) in the 200m respectively. Plays for 6x state champion powerhouse Converse Judson HS in Texas. His speed coupled with his willingness to block gets him on the field next year IMO. Really surprised he’s not ranked higher than he is (28 offers).
OL
We return a ton of OL so I don't see any 2023 recruits cracking the 2-deep lineup for us next year except maybe one. I love this because young linemen, no matter how highly recruited they are need time to mature, learn the playbook, hone their technique, and maybe most importantly… get stronger. McClendon could get a high grade and decide to enter the draft and Jones (some think he’s the first OT off the board) will declare as well. Mims and Greene have the makings of a stud OT duo. While Willock, Tate and Micah should man the guard spots. Truss would be eligible as a true junior but I don't see him leaving (he can provide depth across the line at Guard or OT). Monroe fits the bill to be an immediate backup OT particularly since he’s enrolling early.
- Monroe Freeling - great pickup by CSS. Looked fantastic in 1-on-1s during his All-Star game, held his own against the best defensive linemen in the class. Great athlete and very nimble on his feet. Moves exceptionally well laterally for a big man. Projects as a LT with great size (6'7" and a lean 295) and long arms (84 inch wing span). Plays DT in high school as well and gets after the QB well – gives him that extra mean streak. The South Carolina product picked up 26 offers including all the OL powerhouse schools. Very good athlete who excels in pass protection and also pulls very well for a big man (again…great feet). Could crack the 2-deep if both McClendon and Jones declare but hopefully we don't need him to. Definitely needs to add strength and maybe a few pounds but future starter makeup IMO.
DL
We currently have only 1 senior along the DL in Tramel Walthour. We'll have 3 seniors (Brinson, Logue, and Nazir) next year and 88 declared early and likely will be the 2nd pick. Our depth is scary good but there's always room for more. The 2022 freshman trio of Bear, Shone and Christian will be fun to watch for years. Each has already flashed through the first four games - particularly Bear who's now getting starter minutes and looked really good in the Natty. Mykel will be a fixture at DE for sure (ended with 4.5 sacks) and I really like TID's game as well. 2 recruits could add immediate depth...
- Jordan Hall - Violent hands and lives in the backfield. Strong as an ox with a lethal first step. One writer for the AA game said that “Hall was as disruptive during practices this year as Mikel was last year”. May/should get his 5th star after the AA performance. One of my favorites in this class. Very strong, great swim move and can get down the line in a hurry for a big man. Quick burst and great first step with SEC level strength already (Came into the AA game at 6’3” 317). Even plays some DE in HS. His body is SEC ready. I think he plays the same spot as 88, he's much more than just a run stuffer... he can really get after the QB. Still underrated IMO despite his high 4-star ranking. Reminds me of Bear.
- Jamaal Jarrett - love the big man's ability to shed blockers and get to the RB. His size is undeniable and since he’s an early enrollee, we'll get his body ready for SEC play. He's got some bad weight but coaches have laid out their expectations for him. If he works hard now that he’s on campus, he'll see the field and provide needed depth up the middle next season. You hate to compare anyone to big JD99 but his size and feet/hands warrant them. We don’t have a “Big Ja” in our locker room now. True NG that will command double teams immediately.
OLB / DE
The biggest position loss we have next year is losing seniors Nolan Smith and Beal at OLB. I look for Marvin Jones Jr. to fill one side and potentially Sherman/Sorey (probably both portal candidates) or Darris Smith (love his upside) on the other. I could also see Jalon Walker, with his athleticism, slide outside as he will be hard to keep off of the field. Chambliss and CJ will provide solid depth.
- Thus the reason a 5-star recruit like Samuel M'Pemba out of IMG is so important to this class. Raw as he hasn't played the game for a long time. This kid is an impressive jumbo athlete (built like Khalil Mack) - Often the first one down to cover kickoffs, shows great hands as a TE and has proven to be a strong open field tackler for a big man. All that said, M'Pemba's future is rushing the passer. Watching his film, it's no wonder Kirby personally recruited this young man. Tremendous athlete who will see the field early despite his lack of experience. Already possesses an SEC body and strength. Do yourself a favor and watch his IMG highlights at spring practice on May 29, 2022... he's unblockable in the film. Great swim move, great leverage and bend to get around OTs and uses violent/powerful hands to get off of blocks. He tosses his teammates around all video (and these are other highly ranked kids at IMG). I think he sees about as many snaps as Mykel did this year for us if he comes in a picks up our defense.
- M’Pemba’s teammate and fellow DE/OLB Gabe Harris is pretty dang good in his own right. Watch his film and he looks the part of a 5-star pass rusher as well. The most likely 5-tech of the trio IMO. It can’t be understated how well IMG prepares kids to play college football. Great bend around the edge and exceptional speed for a 6’5” 250lb+ young man. Plays the run and sets the edge equally well, playing very physical at the point of attack. His senior highlights are already available on Hudl and are worth the watch. Great nose for the QB – uses his hands to get off of blocks really well. I expect he’ll play early and often as a backup to Mikel.
- Damon Wilson - what a haul with M’Pemba, Harris and Wilson all coming in as elite SEC-sized pass rushers. Freak athlete and dynamic pass rusher already – maybe our most important recruit this year, definitely Top 3, because of his ability to get to the QB and our need there. Quickest first step of the 3 DEs we got. Reminds me of Justin Houston. Very technically sound with great hands and gains ground quickly. Relentless pursuer of the football as well. It will be very hard to keep Damon off the field next year – this kid is a football player.
ILB
We return all of our inside linebackers. Trez and Rian will be seniors next year and one or both could transfer looking for more PT. JDJ and Smael will be juniors and both need to improve in coverage and both will IMO. Walker will be a true sophomore (love his upside but could move outside). Need some young bucks to fill the coffers at ILB next year…and boy do we have 3 studs coming.
- Raylen Wilson - this young man can flat out fly at 6'2" 226, topping +22mph on the GPS in September (10.91 100m). He plays at Lincoln HS in Tallahassee so he faces Florida's best every Friday night. 139 tackles, 17 TFL and 5 sacks as a junior. His speed/talent will be hard to keep off the field next year. Does a great job shedding blocks and hits with bad intentions. Returned multiple kicks and punts back for TDs. Was very disruptive in UA AA practices and garnered a lot of hype from all who attended. Also flashed at our bowl practices according to insiders (played the role of Steele Chambers for OSU on the scout team). Great sideline to sideline tackler. No way he redshirts. Dad played for the NO Saints in the 2000's and both brothers played D1 as well. He and Jordan Hall are my class favorites. He has Starks like talent IMO and will be an early and impactful contributor. I think he’s “the next”…
- Troy Bowles - Another vicious hitter with great instincts who played most of his senior year at safety. Does a remarkable job striking the ball carrier. Played outside in a 3-4 his junior year so he's also adept at rushing the passer. Can't have too many coach's kids either IMO. Do yourself a favor and watch his and Raylen's film on YouTube, impressive group coming in. I do think it might hurt him a little not enrolling early – but with his pedigree I know he’ll be working everyday to get bigger/faster/stronger before he arrives. Weighed in at UA AA game just above 200lbs so he’ll need 15-20 pounds to play ILB in the SEC. Has the speed to play Star, not sure about his hips as I haven’t seen enough film of him playing safety? Immediate special teams standout. Reminds me a little of Thomas Davis coming out of HS, a bit undersized but can lay a hit and tackle with the best of the them.
- FWIW I like CJ Allen's (who rightfully earned his 4th star late) film a lot too, just think the other 2 ILB are slightly ahead. I think it will take some time for CJ to acclimate to the speed of the game from 1A GA football and playing full time MLB…JMHO. Love CJ at tailback too J Enrolling early will pay huge dividends for him.
Safety & Star
We lose Chris Smith next year which is a big loss. I think it's safe to say Starks and Bullard will start as long as they're on campus. Both Daniels (really like how he played against OSU and TCU when he got in) and Thomas have flashed as well. We could get Tykee back next year unless he decides to transfer for more PT. Smoke will add depth as well (looks like he enrolls this week). The future is bright at Safety and Star.
- Joenel Aguero - already possesses SEC safety size at 6'0" 205. Like our ILB recruits, this young man will thump you. And like Raylen, opened eyes at UA AA practices and was lauded all week for his ability to cover in space and strike the ball carrier. Similar to many top athletes in HS, he also plays RB/WR and looks really good there as well which is a testament to his athleticism and versatility. Impressive young man who was high on Bama's safety board as well. Great man cover skills (see spring practice video) and electric closing speed. Loves to deliver knockout blows. Joenel said he turned down big $$$ to sign with us (reportedly $3m over 4 years). With Smith graduating look for Joenel to crack the 2-deep next year and pair nicely with Starks for years to come. Would not surprise me to see him start at some point next year based on his talent and our need at sfety. He’s bigger but reminds me a lot of Caleb Downs on both sides of the ball.
Corner
Ringo will likely declare for the draft and be one of 4 first rounders for UGA this year but thankfully we've got an embarrassment of young riches at corner pre-portal (Singletary entered the portal today as some expected). Between Lassiter, Everett, Humphrey, and Green it'll be hard to crack the 2-deep for any incoming freshman regardless of how talented they are. But it's possible for AJ, he’s that good.
- AJ Harris - pure quick twitch athlete who can do anything on the football field – tough as nails too. Shined at the Under Armor event in Atlanta in 1-on-1's (gets in and out of breaks with elite quickness and change of direction and has the ability to be a lock-down corner). Been a standout on varsity since he was a freshman. Really like his versatility as he could come in and play any position in the defensive backfield - elite ball skills. Love him at wideout too and he's an electric punt returner as well (3 ST TDs in 2021). Bama wanted AJ bad, good work by Coach Fran to pull him out of the state of Alabama. Again, since he enrolled early he's got a really good shot at early playing time despite our depth... he's that good of an athlete. He’s got the toughness Kirby longs for in his DBs. Wouldn't have shocked me to see him earn a 5th star.
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