Head coach Kirby Smart has demanded three things from the 2025 spring drills … fire, passion and energy! Fire is a burst, a combustion, a chemical reaction … in football terms it’s a burst of emotion, a combustion of two forces meeting each other on the gridiron and the bigger man getting up and screaming as his team scores a touchdown; it’s a physical reaction that not only affects the individual but the team around him and brings them to a higher temperature as well. These are the 10 players that bring the FIRE!

Nate Frazier RB (#3)

Georgia’s running back room has a legacy that is rich with talent and intensity. Sophomore running back Nate Frazier is no exception. Frazier has made a quick name for himself with his explosive runs and fiery celebrations (i.e. the Florida chomp). Despite his youthfulness, he is already a leader among his teammates in practice and on game days, setting the tone with his fire and intensity.

Chris Cole ILB (#9)

Georgia’s linebacker room has been elite under Coach Smart, and Chris Cole is the next in line to carry the torch. While learning from last year’s Butkus Award winner: Jalon Walker, Cole looks ready to take the next step. Justin Williams said, “He’s like Jalon Walker… he can do whatever you need him to.”  Despite playing in only seven games last season, his clutch pass breakup against Texas ignited the sideline, proving he has that fire in him. Plus, his change from #18 to #9 looks awfully similar to Damn Good Dawg Alec Ogletree who wore that legendary #9.

Justin Williams ILB (#19)

As a Texas native, it was shocking when Justin Williams chose Georgia over his home-state Longhorns. However, his decision makes perfect sense; he also wanted to be a part of Georgia’s elite linebacker room. Coach Smart even said it himself, “He is the kind of alpha you need in the linebacker room.” Even as a young playmaker, his effort and fire mirror those of past Dawgs who are in the league or on their way.

Brett Thorson P (#92)

Can punters bring the fire? Absolutely. Thorson hasn’t been just a special team’s player; he’s been a tone-setter. His big hit against Tennessee proved he isn’t backing away from contact. Having a punter who gives his all and shows toughness will light a fire in the team when needed.

Ryan Puglisi QB (#12)

While Gunner Stockton has the experience as a starter, Puglisi is applying the fire under the seat of his pants in the starting quarterback duel. As a redshirt freshman, he has a year of development under his belt and isn’t afraid to step into the role. For example, when Stockton got injured during the SEC Championship game, Puglisi was fired up and ready to go on the sideline to sub in for second stringer Stockton. Coach Smart gave the handoff to Beck, but Puglisi’s fire on the sideline cannot go unnoticed.

Monroe Freeling OL (#57)

After an underwhelming Sugar Bowl performance, Freeling is determined and willing to do what it takes to bounce back. He continues to learn his role on the offensive line to play with unity and intensity. “Five is equal to one in this case,” said Freeling. “The better we work together, the better we play.” If one lineman brings the fire, they all follow, which makes Freeling a crucial piece to an Georgia offensive line defining its depth and identity.

Christen Miller DL (#52)

As one of the Dawgs most experienced defensive lineman, Miller chose to stay at Georgia for one more year, forgoing the NFL draft. Last season he recorded 27 tackles despite missing two games. During spring practice he has been limited with injury but remains a vocal leader. Miller is someone Coach Smart can count on as he continues to build that fire and intensity among the younger defensive linemen.

Oscar Delp TE (#4)

After being fortunate enough to learn under a Georgia great, Brock Bowers, Delp continues his growth as a key piece in the Georgia offense. When Delp was asked about why he returned to Georgia, he said, “I don’t want to live with regret. I left too much on the table.” That fire to finish what he started as a Dawg will be crucial for Georgia this upcoming season. Think back to that crucial first down conversion against Texas in the SEC Championship. He was dead in his tracks, then converted the first and threw the first down signal in the Texas’ defenders face. That’s fire!

Daniel Harris  DB (#7)

If you don’t work hard enough, someone else is willing to take your spot. Harris, who is a hard-hitting defensive back for the Dawgs, learned this lesson quickly last season. The defensive back competition is tight, but Harris’ aggression and fire is hard to be ignored. His hit against Florida rings a bell … and rang that Gator’s bell.

Zachariah Branch WR (#1)

Georgia, who prioritized the improvement at the wide receiver position this offseason, landed one of the most explosive transfers in the league. Branch can have an impact beyond catching passes for the Dawgs, while he is a return specialist as well. This ability gives him the chance to flip momentum on special teams and foster a spark in the pass-catching game. This can be a fiery spark for the Dawgs.