I know most that follow Georgia football are, or have been expecting the Dawgs to make a splash addition in the transfer portal. The common perception is that UGA will add a defensive back, maybe 2, this offseason. If Georgia could land 2 talents in the secondary via the portal similar to the 2 quarterbacks they were able to bring in a year ago, well then they certainly would take it. However, in reality, despite the large amounts of inexperience the Dawgs have in the back end of their defense, I’m here to say that additions via the portal for Georgia at that position group are a luxury and not at all a necessity for the 2021.

Don’t misunderstand please, I’m sure that at some point this offseason Kirby Smart and company will add some depth to the defensive back unit. I think more than likely it will be just 1 target from the portal, instead of multiple. Also, I’m not certain the addition will be one that stops the presses. Yes, any player that gets added to the mix, especially via the portal, is going to be one that the UGA believes can contribute quickly in some fashion. However, I believe that an addition is more than likely going to be someone that contributes in terms of depth on the backend and special teams, not a day one starter. Finally, Georgia can take their time with this decision as well. With the nature of the defensive back position, there are often many different position battles in programs for a starting spot through spring practice. More options in the portal should open up after spring practice, and that’s when I would expect the Dawgs to get heavily involved in landing a defensive back.

Regardless, I think Georgia feels great about the top 3 players they have at cornerback and safety respectively in the 2021 season. Kelee Ringo, Nyland Green, and Ameer Speed are physical freaks on the outside, and Lewis Cine, Chris Smith, and Latavious Brini are solid and more experienced than most realize in the middle. The depth behind them is what has to be bolstered. The class of 2020 must step up in a big way. Guys like Major Burns and Jalen Kimber need to take the next step in their development and Daran Branch, Kamari Lassiter, and Javon Bullard could be looked up as swing players with their versatile backgrounds. What Georgia has to ultimately hope for is as much luck in the injury department in the secondary as possible and with that, just to coach up the immense amount of young talent that they have. The offense also will have a lot to say about how the 2021 defensive back unit for Georgia is viewed. If the JT Daniels lead offense is as potent as many believe it will be, the burden will be lessened on those young defensive backs tremendously.