The COVID-19 pandemic has altered a lot of things that would have been normal. This includes the upcoming Senior Day game for Georgia against Charleston Southern. Because of the pandemic, all athletes were granted another year of eligibility, which could affect who returns next season or not.
The only seniors who certainly be playing their last game at Sanford Stadium are Justin Shaffer, Devonte Wyatt and Julian Rochester. Those three have already used their extra year, making them “super seniors.” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart explained that the other seniors will not have to make a decision on their future right away.
“We’re going to honor those that choose to walk and a lot of them may decide to come back,” said Smart. “A lot of them have an extra year of eligibility, but we’re not crossing that bridge yet. So, we’re going to have them walk and then make the decision. If they walk twice, great then they have a special opportunity. We’re in different times these days, so I’d rather have them all walk and decide what they want to do than not walk and possibly miss the opportunity.”
With the way a lot of Georgia’s defensive players have performed, it is safe to assume that it will be the last home game for a couple of those guys including Jordan Davis. Davis has become the heart and soul of the defense and one of the main faces of the 2021 Georgia Bulldogs.
“It’s a bittersweet moment,” said Davis on Monday. “Four years ago, you hear a lot about how this journey ends fast, it almost ends as quickly as it started. At the end of the day, it is one of those moments you have to savor and you really appreciate for being a part of this program.”
For fourth-year players of this program, they have had three 10+ win seasons and two SEC Championship game appearances. They have only lost one home game in four years, which was the 2019 loss to South Carolina.
This year seems like it could be the season to do something special. With the No. 1 ranking and a perfect 8-0 SEC regular season under their belts, Georgia’s seniors should be able to enjoy this last home game against FCS Charleston Southern.
“A family, like a bond that can never be broken,” said Shaffer on how he would describe this senior class. “It’s been the best since I have been here.”