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Georgia Fall Camp Revealing Where The Next Wave of Playing Time Will Go

By: Greg Poole

Georgia’s first fall scrimmage did not answer every August question, but it did present a clearer look at the roster’s outline. The defense is ahead, the run game showed some promise, and the passing game is still a work in progress. Reports from Saturday included some productive rushing, a few too many dropped passes, and a bad snap with Drew Bobo unavailable. For mid-August, that is less of a problem and more helpful information.

Georgia came into camp looking for a more physical run game, a few more big plays on offense, and a defense that could create more disruption. At this point, the defense appears further along. The offense is still working to replace most of its proven receiver production and is sorting out who can help Gunner Stockton stretch the field. The first scrimmage did not settle that, though London Humphreys and Landon Roldan reportedly made a case for themselves.

The more interesting developments have come just behind the established starters. Georgia’s most notable risers are those who have added to the list of things coaches can trust them to handle, not just players who made a single August play.

Jaden Reddell has put together the most complete case so far. Kirby Smart noted the junior tight end’s progress from Year 2 to Year 3, and the strength staff has pointed to his work as well. Todd Hartley now sees Reddell as a more well-rounded option, able to block, protect, run routes, and catch passes. That is useful for an offense still sorting out its receivers and with enough tight ends to consider more two-tight end sets. A reported drop in the scrimmage is a mark against him, but not enough to change the overall direction. Reddell is moving from a blocking and special teams role toward more regular offensive snaps.

Chauncey Bowens additionally strengthened a role that was already trending upward. He was among Saturday’s best performers after Nate Frazier ripped off an early long run and then saw limited work. Bowens was already positioned as Georgia’s second back, so this is not a camp ambush. It suggests the distribution between him and Frazier could be closer than assumed.

Dwight Phillips Jr. is the more interesting question when it comes to usage. Smart has called him one of the offense’s most explosive players and has made it clear Georgia needs to find ways to get him the ball. Phillips does not have to win the every-down tailback job to be useful. Screens, motion, perimeter runs, and a handful of backfield snaps can put his speed to work each week.

On defense, Chase Linton has made the most straightforward progress. He played in only four games last season, but Glenn Schumann has pointed to his added strength, disruptive play, and ability to move from run defense to pass rush. Georgia wants to rotate five or six players at defensive end and outside linebacker. Linton now looks like someone who could earn one of those spots, rather than just waiting for late-game work.

Khalil Barnes has also improved his position in a crowded safety and STAR competition. Schumann called the Clemson transfer an instinctive, intelligent playmaker and said his talent for locating the football has already shown up. Barnes may not own one permanent position, but his experience and ball production give Georgia a reason to create a role for him.

Three freshmen have moved ahead of the usual development schedule. Zykie Helton is still the leader at right guard, so his fall is now more about holding off older players than breaking through. Ekene Ogboko was one of the more notable names from the scrimmage and now has a realistic chance to join the offensive line rotation.

Kaiden Prothro keeps showing receiving skills that can be used in the slot or at tight end. He is not a finished product as a college tight end, but Georgia does not need him to be before using the part of his game that is ready now.

The second scrimmage could change this order. For now, Reddell, Linton, and Barnes have made the most complete moves up the depth chart, while Phillips, Ogboko, and Prothro have given the coaches more reasons to use them. Georgia has found some useful depth. The search for reliable catches is still ongoing, and that will likely decide who gets the last offensive snaps before September.

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