Just a week and a half away from the kickoff of the 2023 season in Athens, the Bulldogs held an observation period, allowing the media to catch a glimpse of Wednesday’s practice.
It was hot, as it typically is in Athens during the month of August. Coach Smart, however, brought up the temperature numerous times during the 15-minute practice session, calling it the “last cool day of the year.” The heat was a major factor in Georgia’s first scrimmage—a scrimmage Coach Smart was extremely displeased with. While the heat is certainly no excuse to play poorly at the University of Georgia, it is a factor when it comes down to preseason conditioning. Coach Smart referenced that Georgia, along with certain units, particularly the defensive line, does not have the depth they did last season, making conditioning through the heat a high priority.
Early Wednesday afternoon, Coach Smart announced that sophomore running back Branson Robinson would miss the entirety of the 2023 season due to a torn patellar tendon. This is certainly a setback to a running back room that has “no real star,” according to the Georgia head coach. Daijun Edwards, one of Georgia’s most experienced backs, is dealing with a knee injury and was not practicing. During practice, Andrew Paul received the first reps during running back drills, Cash Jones repped second, and true freshman Rod Robinson repped third. Kendall Milton was working off to the side while recovering from a hamstring injury.
Cash Jones was praised on the microphone by Coach Smart as he was able to break a tackle and burst past a pair of Georgia linebackers into the secondary. Jones has been impressive catching the ball out of the backfield during practice this offseason and could prominently feature in that role due to his elusiveness, speed, and playmaking ability. With Kenny McIntosh now a member of the Seattle Seahawks and injuries at the position, don’t be surprised to see number 32 line up in the backfield against UT Martin.
Rara Thomas, a highly regarded X receiver Georgia picked up from the transfer portal, is still buried in the depth chart. He featured in the later reps at the X receiver position, with Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint taking the first reps.
Dominic Lovett ran multiple impressive routes and even showed off his run-after-catch ability, making a linebacker miss during a receiving drill. Even though Lovett primarily played slot receiver at Missouri, a position currently occupied by Ladd McConkey, Lovett is expected to make a significant impact for the Bulldogs due to his sure hands and athleticism. McConkey was not identified at practice today leaving Lovett to pick up the majority of the reps.
On the defensive side of the ball, Coach Trey Scott was doing an exceptional job coaching technique with his young defensive linemen. Gabe Harris received technique critiques; however, he was praised after completing the drill. Jordan Hall also had multiple impressive reps praised by Coach Scott. Hall will be battling for playing time as a true freshman this fall.
Another true freshman, Damon Wilson, stood second in line for reps at outside linebacker, directly behind Chaz Chambliss. Wilson was one of Georgia’s highest ranked recruits in the 2023 cycle, and due to the youth of the room, Wilson could find himself playing serious minutes this fall.
Kamari Lassiter, Georgia’s star cornerback, is still repping in a black non-contact jersey. Despite wearing the black jersey, Lassiter is still expected to be ready to go come Week 1. Nyland Green, Daylen Everette, Julio Humphrey, and AJ Harris are battling for the other cornerback position.