There is a lot to look forward to for the Georgia Bulldogs when it comes to the 2021 football season. The Dawgs return the overwhelming majority of their team, particularly on offense. This includes JT Daniels it would seem, based on his cryptic social media post stating “To Be Continued” with him in his Georgia uniform. While having JT back would be huge, regardless, UGA will have one the very top, if not the most, talented and the deepest receiving core in the country in 2021.
Now, let’s preface that comment with this, there is a LONG way from now until September 4th, 2021 when Georgia lines up against Clemson in Charlotte, NC. Of Course anything and everything can happen, but based on the current men on the roster, the Dawgs will be loaded with pass catching targets! The other scary thing for the for opposing defenses is and will be, this group will only include 3 true freshman. Every receiver and tight end on the Georgia squad will have a year in Athens under their belt with the expectation of Jackson Meeks, Brock Bowers, and AD Mitchell.
With JT Daniels at quarterback in Georgia’s last 4 games, George Pickens emerged as the undeniable talent and bona fide #1 receiver that the Georgia faithful have know he can be for the greater part of 2 years. Should that pair return healthy and with an offseason to build even further chemistry and development, lookout. Jermaine Burton burst onto the scene and proved to be a big play threat in 2020 as well. The Dawgs will look forward to an even more seasoned, reliable Burton in 2021, instead of an incredible, yet raw talent learning on the fly. Also, Kearis Jackson had an excellent season and has yet to announce his intention for next year, but if he returns, the Dawgs immediately have their Robin to Pickens’s Batman, so to speak. Justin Robinson should be prepared to step into a backup role for the Dawgs on the outside and fellow 2020 recruiting class member Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint is slated to be back from the gruesome leg/ankle injury he sustained against Florida on a TD catch no less.
On the inside, Georgia should get Dominick Blaylock back. It’s easy to forget how important Blaylock was to Georgia’s run to the SEC Championship game a season ago as a true freshman. Having torn his ACL in the game versus LSU at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the timeline should be Blaylock’s favor to return to full strength well before fall camp this upcoming season. Pairing a returning Blaylock with speedster Arian Smith and 2020 recruiting class member Ladd McConkey spells trouble for linebackers, safeties and nickels. Each has a unique skill set that Georgia should be able to use to create matchups. Blaylock is a precise route runner than understands coverages and can exploit zones and underneath man coverage. Arian Smith can outrun anyone, as seen in the Peach Bowl, he can just absolutely fly and Ladd McConkey has elite quickness. McConkey could serve as a key third down target once his time arrives in Athens.
WR # 11 Arian Smith for Georgia will be a problem next year for all defenses. Speed!!!!! Think Jalen Waddle type. Game breaking speed!!!!!
— David Pollack (@davidpollack47) January 1, 2021
Finally, there won’t be a more talented collections of tight ends anywhere. Darnell Washington showed his freak athleticism in the Peach Bowl and even flashes in the Arkansas, Kentucky, and Missouri game this season. John Fitzpartick was rock solid for Georgia and is set to return. Also, Brock Bowers is one of the most versatile high school prospects I’ve covered. The 4-Star from Napa, California, has played quarterback, running back, linebacker, and tight end during high school. Bowers played well at each position. But at 6’4″ 235, and being able to run the way he can, Bowers can contribute immediately in the passing game if called upon in 2021. Of course this is just if things remain the status quo at the position throughout the offseason. Should Georgia add Arik Gilbert via the transfer market, well then the Dawgs will have 4 future NFL tight ends in the room, with Gilbert and Washington being twin towers the likes of which have rarely been seen paired together.
It’s safe to say, year 2 under Todd Monken and likely with a returning JT Daniels, will be a great year for the Dawgs offensively. The passing game will be as threatening as it has ever been. Should the Dawgs be able to provide a modicum of balance in the run game behind the offensive front, it’s going to be very hard for defenses to stay honest to that and also cover all the weapon Monken and Daniels will have at their leisure in 2021.