Georgia seniors discuss importance of making the most of their final opportunities to play in Athens
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Georgia may have lost several notable seniors and two junior defenders to the NFL this offseason, but that doesn’t mean Kirby Smart’s program is completely devoid of senior leadership heading into 2018.
While the Bulldogs look to be loaded with promising young talent on both sides of the ball, two rising senior defenders are trying to prove they belong on the field for their final seasons in Athens by putting in the extra work this spring.
Defensive lineman DaQuan Hawkins-Muckle and linebacker Juwan Taylor only had one start between them last season but based on their recent media availabilities on Tuesday; both are pushing themselves to the limit in the hopes of seeing more playing time this fall.
Here’s what Hawkins-Muckle had to when asked about how he’s making the most of his final spring in Athens.
“Knowing that it’s my last year, knowing that I’ll be in the real world after this. So just attacking things different than when I was a freshman. Now that I’m a senior, just attacking things differently,” Hawkins-Muckle said.
He also added that he needs to “push myself when there’s no one else to push me.”
After suffering a season-ending injury in 2016, Hawkins-Muckle bounced back to play in only six games last season but did make one of the bigger plays of the season for Georgia as he blocked Auburn’s field goal in the SEC Championship Game that swung the momentum of the contest. Of course, the Bulldogs would go on to win that game by a wide 28-7 margin.
“It’s been a long ride, a long four years. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. I’m just enjoying it for this last go around,” Hawkins-Muckle continued. “Having a coach like Kirby Smart here by my side, helping motivate me, I feel very confident going into the season.”
As for Taylor, he sees the opportunity to earn a starting spot at linebacker with all four of Georgia’s linebackers have left the program this offseason.
“For me, this spring is like do or die. That’s how I’m taking every practice because this is my last year. This is my opportunity to showcase my talent,” Taylor said. “Previously, I didn’t have as much playing time. This year, I’m ready to showcase (my talent).”
While admitting it was difficult to wait this long to potentially earn significant playing time (he did play in all 15 games last season but made only one start — vs. Vanderbilt), the rising senior embraced the challenge of continuing to compete within the program.
“It was tough. Mentally, it was tough. One thing about me; I’m a competitor,” Tayor said. “I tried not to let things phase me.”
Both seniors have a path to earning starting spots in Athens this season; now it’s up to them to make the most out of these opportunities and go out on top in their final seasons as Bulldogs.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
