6 offseason priorities for Georgia in 2021
If you’re a Georgia fan, you’re certainly happy with how the season ended. How couldn’t you be?
Still, while watching the College Football Playoff (particularly with Alabama and Justin Fields advancing), there’s a sense of disappointment that the Dawgs weren’t in it. There’s no use dwelling on why they didn’t get there: That’s been covered.
Instead, we look toward 2021. UGA has a quarterback who ignited the offense and is poised to take it to a much higher level. The receiving corps is deep, as is the running back position. The offensive line has lost some pieces but has several players poised to fill the gaps. But what about the defense, who will be missing a number of its stars?
Here are 6 priorities the Dawgs need to focus on as they look toward a promising 2021:
1. Prioritize getting JT Daniels healthy
Daniels looked good, yes, down the stretch. But some observers noted that his surgically-repaired leg was still causing him to be a little tentative at times. Frankly, from my vantage point, it was tough to tell.
And if what we saw was Daniels at around 80%, I’m excited to see the 100% version. If he shows out against Clemson in the 2021 season-opener, the Dawgs become a heavy favorite to make the Playoff right out of the gate with a win against the toughest opponent they’ll face all year outside of the SEC Championship Game.
But that’s contingent on him getting to that “100%,” or as much as possible given the fact that he’s coming off that ACL tear. Remember, we haven’t seen a full season of him in a Georgia uniform, so the onus is on the medical staff to ensure he can endure one.
2. Redshirt Brock Vandagriff in the wake of his leg injury
Vandagriff was able to gut out a torn PCL and lead his Prince Avenue Christian School program to a state championship in December. He was projected to have surgery but will instead count on good, old-fashioned Father Time to get right.
I don’t think there’s any question the Dawgs need to plan to redshirt him unless they really need him. They already have a capable backup in Stetson Bennett IV (albeit with a limited ceiling, but it’s better than nothing) if something goes wrong with Daniels, along with Carson Beck (who we don’t know much about, still) waiting in the wings.
Plus, it gets him ready to take the reins from Daniels in 2022, if the program is fully committed to him being the quarterback of the future. Having him get healthy while learning under some experienced QBs is the right call.
3. Work with Daniels on continuing to get comfortable in this offense
I love the skills Dom Blaylock brings to the table, and together with Darnell Washington, George Pickens and Kearis Jackson, plus a group of rising sophomores including Arian Smith, Jermaine Burton and Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, this is a very deep and talented pass-catching corps that will provide Daniels plenty of targets in 2021. Injuries obviously have been a problem for Blaylock, though, and it might take a little time to ease him in.
At times, though, Daniels made it look like he has played with these guys for years. His connections to Pickens, in particular, jump out as a special combo in the making. But he tends to be a bit too aggressive at times, too, with his deep ball, an asset when it works and a liability when it doesn’t.
Again, he’s played just 4 games in a Georgia uniform. Some time in camp continuing to work out the bugs in the offseason can only help him develop that comfort level even more.
4. Find better balance in the backfield
What will Zamir White do? Will he return to Georgia or declare early for the NFL Draft? It appears he will be returning. If so, that’s great news for the Georgia running back room, but even if he were to leave, this is a deep group.
That said, the staff needs to continue to keep Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton more involved. It was disappointing to see Milton injured for the latter portions of the season because he was impressive when given the opportunity. Edwards was terrific against South Carolina and Missouri.
With Milton and Edwards, plus White, the versatile James Cook and Kenny McIntosh, the Dawgs’ RB room is loaded, versatile and potentially explosive. Leveraging that adds yet another dimension to an offense that should be among the best in the conference — and nation.
5. Fill the holes in the defense, likely with a JUCO or grad transfer or 2
Undoubtedly, the biggest losses (by volume) come on defense, at all 3 levels.
Adam Anderson is good, but it’s going to be hard to replace what Azeez Ojulari did in 2 seasons. The same can be said for Quay Walker, who will have a tough act to follow in place of Monty Rice. That’s not to mention the losses in the secondary and up front, with plenty of production needing to be replaced.
While Kirby Smart and Dan Lanning always have the defense playing at a high level, perhaps a JUCO or grad transfer to provide an added layer of experience, specifically in the secondary (especially since Tyson Campbell decided to declare for the draft, too) and on the defensive line, could be an option.
6. Maintain its dominance on the recruiting trail within the state
The Dawgs are off to a good start in building toward the 2022 class: DB/ATH Deyon Bouie (from Kirby Smart’s alma mater of Bainbridge) is ranked No. 2 in Georgia and No 25 overall nationally, and the Peach State’s No. 6 player, defensive tackle Tyre West (Jefferson) is in the fold as well. Thus far, Georgia has 4 of the state’s top 13 players locked in for now.
Atlanta-area cornerback Travis Hunter is one of the big prizes, and his ties to Florida were part of the reason he committed to Florida State. But don’t count out the Dawgs’ chances of flipping the state’s No. 1 player (No. 4 nationally). Defensive tackle Mykel Williams (No. 5 in Georgia) is undecided still very much in play.
Smart cashed in with the top 3 recruits inside the borders, along with Nos. 7, 9 and 10, in the last cycle. While it’s an easy sell right now, he’s certainly done his part in building a fence around the state.
Good article. Honestly, I do think JT was still not 100% and should only get better.
1. Allow JT to get 100% and Monken work with him on the passing tree. He too often defaults to throwing the deep ball when 10 yds may be good enough. I hope that improves. We know what Cook, Pickens, Burton, et all can do with the ball in space. I doesn’t always have to be a 50 yd bomb.
2. Scrap the SB IV experiment. Good story, good kid, but we know what he can/cannot do. Develop Beck as QB2 in 2021 if Vandagriff is to be RS.
3. Continue the recruiting dominance and get the best available transfers at DB and maybe OL.
4. Hopefully White returns as I don’t think he is “league ready” yet. But if not the RB room will be fine with Cook, Edwards, Milton and McIntosh… that kid is fun to watch. And with Carrol coming in, we’ll be fine.
5. Settle Pickens in to be more of a team guy. He still flashes the attitude and gets in trouble…. maybe a sit down session with Devonta Smith to use as an example. He can be great but without all the unnecessary crap.
It’s weird going into the offseason with more confidence in the offense than in the defense. I think DL & LB will be fine but the secondary has me a little worried.
Don’t care about the article, just wanted to drop in and thank the state of Georgia for saving this nation. Im no fan of your governor or secretary of state, but in the face of treasonous pressure from our criminal president to attempt a coup and rob America of our chosen president, they stood strong. Beyond that, electing Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock ensures that republicans can no longer threaten our country and protect their criminal friends. Yesterday was a horrific day in America, and Retrumplicans are to blame. But Georgia stood strong, made the right choices, and in my opinion, saved America.
Thank you, Georgia.
Keep the politics off man…
Tiger TD, will you feel the same when your taxes get almost doubled? Take a picture of the pump next time you fill up.
Save it for 4 years, so you can understand how much more you’re about to pay for gas.
But, maybe you’re one of those who chooses to not work? Doesn’t own a car, and doesn’t pay taxes? If so, enjoy the ride…
Your completely uneducated take on this is exactly the problem in this country. You have no idea what the democratic tax plans are, do you? Stop being a typical right wing low-info voter. This information is easily available yet you choose to be ignorant.
FYI: President-elect Joe Biden, according to the tax plan he released before the election, would enact a number of policies that would raise taxes on individuals with income above $400,000, including raising individual income, capital gains, and payroll taxes. Biden would also raise taxes on corporations.
So I appreciate the compliment but unfortunately my family doesn’t quite earn $400k per year. I don’t feel bad that people who make that much will pay higher taxes.
FYI: There’s not enough people in America to pay for their Green and welfare projects. They will come after the middle class. There is logically no other way. But some don’t grasp logic.
FYI: President-elect Joe Biden, said he didn’t know anything about Hunter’s shady dealings in Ukraine and Russia. Remember this: You can keep your Doctor, and your healthcare will be decreased $2500 per year.
Oh well. You’ll find out soon enough…
“… would enact a number of policies that would raise taxes on individuals with income above $400,000, including raising individual income, capital gains, and payroll taxes.”
lol thanks for exemplifying the prototypical dem voter mindset.
beyond the envy, jealousy and down right hate illustrated – “taxing the rich” destroys economic growth for low and middle income people.
Tim, how can you so easily point a finger at Hunter Biden, yet turn 1,000 blind eyes to trumps criminal behavior? You really don’t have any credibility if you’re a trump supporter.
And FYI, Hunter Biden isn’t the president.
So Tiger D, you hit the nail on the head and aren’t smart enough to know it. All those tax hikes you mention your boy Biden will implement gonna raise the price of those happy meals you enjoy. You fools need to think a bit on your own and get off the CNN crack pipe.
Sic’em, not sure where you’ve been the last 50 years, but inflation in the market happens regardless of who is getting taxed or what wages are. This is part of why the middle class has been destroyed and why every family must have 2 working adults just to make ends meet. You’ve fallen prey to the millionaires who want dummies like you to believe that you need to bear the tax burden instead of them because otherwise they’ll have to raise prices on a happy meal! Oooooh Scary!
Don’t fall for it.
While we don’t need politics on these boards, we also can’t just throw away the republic for a chance at a tax break.
We’ve had Democratic administrations before, and we haven’t ended up living in mud huts. In fact, we’ve even watched a Democratic administration balance the budget. Eventually, we just have to start believing our lying eyes instead of acting like a bunch of hysterical nuts.
“we haven’t ended up living in mud huts”
How many people on the streets of LA, San Fran, Portland, Seattle, Chicago, NYC wish they had a nice mud hut to live in? The repubs have just destroyed those cities.
We did get a balanced budget, with a split government and a once-in-a-lifetime “Peace Dividend” that resulted by drastically drawing down the military. How long did that Peace Dividend last?
Regardless of who is in control, we’ll never have another balanced budget until we have a fiscal collapse.
You show your lack of awareness by bringing politics into a completely non-political area; having said that, it’s always amusing to see someone so uneducated and possibly worse-uninformed, accuse someone else of being a “typical right wing low-info voter.” It’s slack-jawed mouth breathers like you who have built the horrible reputation democratic voters have among the overwhelming majority of Americans.
Next time you decide to bring up politics, remember how foolish you made yourself look this time. It will save you further embarassment.
Typical trump supporter…. makes a lot of noise, but has no valid points, arguments, or evidence to support yourself.
The US is as blue as Kentucky right now, better head for your bunker!
You’re Welcome!!!!!! It’s absolutely shocking that either one of them won, much less both of them.
Well it’s only shocking because people actually got out to vote. I think there’s a misconception that the south is massively conservative. I think the truth is that democratic voters dont vote in the south, usually because the conservatives have bent over backwards to take their votes away. Stacey Abrams was able to help thousands of voters get registered and motivated, and it appears they exercised their rights this time around.
The reason Georgia is turning blue is because democrats from democratic states move to Georgia because they like the way the state has high job employment and low taxes. Then when they get down here, the vote democrat. Soon, our state will be as garbage as places like New Jersey and Delaware.
On target, wrecktech, liberals from other states screw up their own region and move south and destroy a place they have no business being in the first place. Here in NC, I am ashamed to say we will be in the same $pile of em as GA before the next election.
rock sweden, They didn’t win. Dominion voting machines. Unverified votes, etc. They stole the election.
If only legitimate votes were counted, both elections would’ve went the other way.
Yeah totally. Weird how every republican judge, governor, and secretary of state couldn’t find a single example to submit for evidence.
Keep your politics in Missouri – we don’t need it on this site–
Get lost Tiger, your politics is not welcomed or wanted here.
You’re an idiot…
Liberal moron. In two years Biden will be living in the memory impaired section of the senior home. Then we’re stuck with a real socialist. With the Dimocrats that are in power today we’re 10 years away from China running the world. Our children and grand children are screwed.
lol, ok. Enjoy living in your little fantasy world of being terrified of evil socialist Chinese democrats. Maybe there’s a safe space for you somewhere out there. Thoughts and prayers.
Sheet I can’t believe that, outside of college football, I agree with UGAGrad417, Timmy boy, Army pup, and worst of all TDOW.
What is this world coming to seems like the end days are under way
Just curious…why in the world would anyone listen to your political opinions when you clearly don’t even understand the difference between football and politics?
I think JT is the answer at QB, I fear our secondary isn’t going to be up to par. I would like to think so since there hasn’t been a really really down year in the secondary yet.
Biggest concern’s: Secondary, but the talent is there to at least replace this years production. Especially if the defensive front can take the next step. They better get ready. The new Clemson QB can sling that ball.
O-line. Injuries took a toll in 2020, and some good talent will need to be replaced. They’ll need to develop well to take the team where it wants to go. Not allowing any defense to make your offense one dimensional is the key to consistency.
JT Daniels: In the Miss St game (his first game) 4th quarter, I noticed him limping. Haven’t seen it since. That tells me his knee must have had some swelling. Makes me believe Kirby called it right, as in how soon could he give JT his first start.
Watching how Kirby shores up the weaknesses through the portal is going to be interesting.
Dang this UGA team is loaded again. Might as well crown them champs and be done. Unfortunately the games must be played so we will have to settle for naming them pre season champs. That’s a new one
TheReal, No! 56% Emory Jones is ready to ride in to the rescue.
Jones for Heisman and all that!
I’m sure Florida will be the heavy favorite to dominate the East.
After all, many of you Gator fans had already proclaimed Florida as overtaking Georgia. Remember that…
Don’t sell yourself short Timmy boy. Everybody here knows Emory is just a wildcat QB who can’t throw, at least that’s what I’ve heard from your side. On the other hand you finally found another pre season Heisman QB. For your sake I hope he fares better than your previous pre season Heisman QB. But cheer up, that bar is very very low
8-4
We’ll have no problem winning the SECE next year. UF is back to square one whether Dork Gator leaves or not.
Of course, we have all hear this before. For the past 41 years to be exact
Didn’t say we’d win the Natty but the SECE is a guarantee. Write it down and call me out on it if they don’t. With all the players that are coming back that could have left, it’s a done deal.
1. Don’t redshirt Vandagriff. Let him play as much garbage time as possible.
2. Reloading in the secondary will be an enormous challenge–they have to replace their 3 starting CBs, their All-American safety, and possibly their nickelback unless Mark Webb returns.
3. Figure out the new o-line assortment. There’ll be new OT spot available opposite Warren McClendon and it should be fun to watch Mims and Jones battle for it. I expect Salyer and Ericcson to take the OG spots and van Pran to step in at center.
4. Fix JT Daniel’s deep ball mechanics.
Red shirting him to let his knee heal seems like the right thing to do. No need to rush him back.
Agree 100%, besides my man Humper told me you still have Bennet as the best backup in college. I was thinking about Beck but then it seems no one else is thinking about him at all so go figure
He’s option C…
If Bennett hit the transfer portal, Dork Gator would be all over it. The Dork loves those mobile QBs and wanted to start Jones but the kid couldn’t win the job. Besides the Dork has his Nike spinter shoes on with one foot out the door. He’s as good as gone. He better resign soon or the Gators will be left at the alter without a groom. Lol.
His knee will be fine long before the season starts. It’s not a very serious injury.
UGAgrad thanks I guess for that delusional and worthless comment
“1. Prioritize getting JT Daniels healthy
Daniels looked good, yes, down the stretch. But some observers noted that his surgically-repaired leg was still causing him to be a little tentative at times …”
This commentary coming from the same bunch of hacks that were busting Kirby’s chops for not starting J-TD sooner.
It’s obvious to anybody with 5th grade level reasoning that Kirby and staff have done nothing but make J-TD’s health and well-being the #1 priority.
That’s why JT just had a another scoping/cleaning out of his knee, again. At least he has the off season to completely heal up. Nakobe Dean also had surgery on his labrum. He should be good for next season as well.
We shouldn’t consider Dean an automatic return for 2021. Labrum injuries, particularly SLAP tears, are very slow recoveries. Even relatively easy, clean and debride Labrum repairs can take 9-12 months.
One thing I’ve not understood is why offense seems to be Georgia’s Achilles heel. UGA has had some amazing talents on offense, but yet they always seem to be searching for a next level on that side of the ball.
It’s always been a defensive focused philosophy while having a run-first offense.
I think that’s a misconception based on the last 2 seasons, where in 2019 our receivers were very young and raw and this year where we were stuck starting a walk on QB for 60% of the season.