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Player development and staying healthy is priority No. 1 during spring practice. Here’s five guys Georgia must continue to develop over its 15 spring practices ahead of the 2015 season:
5. Jeb Blazevich, TE: Georgia will take the by-committee approach replacing Chris Conley and Michael Bennett as leading receiving options and this rising sophomore could be the primary option by mid-September. As a true freshman, Blazevich caught 18 passes and showed a knack for getting open down the seam, though blocking was an issue at times. He’ll compete alongside Jay Rome and Malcolm Mitchell for the majority of the targets in the passing game.
4. Dominick Sanders, DB: Seldom do sophomores step into leadership roles but such is the case this season with Sanders, the only every-game starter returning in what’s expected to be a much-improved secondary. Sanders leaned on multi-year starter Damian Swann last season as a true freshman and will share some of what he learned with the seven defensive backs the Bulldogs signed in the 2015 class. Quincy Mauger is another player at the back end whose development is crucial this spring after he showed flashes last fall.
3. Lamont Gaillard, DT: This former 2014 Under Armour All-American and four-star interior defensive lineman adds immediate depth to what should be a strong pass rush for the Bulldogs this season. Potentially an impact player down the line, Gaillard split time at guard in high school and knows the intricacies of what it takes to excel at the snap. He’s 6-foot-2, 305 pounds — ideal size for a run-stopper in the SEC.
2. Hunter Long, C: Arguably Georgia’s toughest hole to fill, the center position has been a strength over the last three seasons thanks to All-SEC standout David Andrews, a player who led the Bulldogs to the Eastern division’s most-feared rushing attack during the 2012 and 2014 campaigns. Long has played in 11 games since redshirting as a sophomore during the 2012 season and has potential, but still has a ways to go before Georgia feels comfortable relying on him to initiate the offense.
1. Brice Ramsey, QB: Quarterback play could dictate this team’s championship potential this season since the Bulldogs are set at the skill positions and expected to have tremendous depth defensively. Arm strength isn’t an issue for Ramsey who will compete with Jacob Park for the starting gig. The relationship between Brian Schottenheimer and his quarterback will be an intriguing marriage to watch. Sharpening Ramsey’s knowledge of Georgia’s scheme and strengthening his confidence level is paramount.
