Georgia Football is gearing up for its return this week as spring practice kicks off. This marks the start of the season for discussions, where fans and analysts alike will delve into the Bulldogs’ potential weaknesses and preview their upcoming schedule. However, what most Georgia enthusiasts are eager to learn is which players will emerge as breakout stars during practice. So, let’s delve into the top five prospects who could make a splash for the Dawgs in spring practice.
Ben Yurosek
Yurosek emerges from the enigmatic and potent transfer portal, having previously showcased his skills at Stanford before making his way to Athens. His standout performance came during his sophomore year in 2021, where he amassed 43 receptions for 658 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately, injuries marred his tenure at Stanford, leading to limited playing time in 2023 with just six games and 239 yards on 16 receptions.
Despite his setbacks, there’s considerable buzz surrounding Yurosek’s arrival at the Georgia program and the impact he could potentially make. Some within college football circles regard him as one of the premier tight ends in the nation, suggesting that his immediate influence on the field shouldn’t come as a surprise. Recently, during an interview with Kirby Smart, Josh Pate discussed potential breakout stars for the Dawgs, highlighting Yurosek as a player generating significant excitement within the program for what he can contribute in the upcoming 2024 season.
Jamaal Jarrett and Jordan Hall
No, it’s not cheating to consider two players as a single entity, especially if they have a shared impact or role within the team. In the case of Jarrett and Hall, both emerged as significant contributors for the Dawgs after joining the recruiting class of 2023. Despite being freshmen, they earned valuable playing time under Kirby Smart, which speaks volumes about their talent and potential.
Heading into the 2024 season, Jarrett and Hall are expected to build upon their previous successes and further solidify their roles within the team. Given the challenges Georgia faces in terms of depth and experience on the defensive line, their contributions will be crucial. With their combined skills and determination, Jarrett and Hall are poised to become formidable forces upfront for the Dawgs in the upcoming season.
Jared Wilson
Sedrick Van-Pran has left an indelible mark as one of the most distinguished centers in the history of University of Georgia football. With over 40 starts for the Dawgs, he solidified his reputation as one of the premier players in college football at his position. For most programs, replacing a player of Van-Pran’s caliber and extensive game experience would present a significant challenge.
However, the Dawgs have found a fitting successor in Wilson. Standing at an impressive 6’4 and weighing 310 pounds, Wilson is a junior who showcased his abilities in 13 out of the 14 games played by the Dawgs. Even during mop-up duty, he displayed notable talent, leaving a positive impression on observers, particularly during the Orange Bowl and throughout the regular season.
Confidence abounds within the program regarding Wilson’s potential to become the next standout center for Georgia. With his size, skill, and demonstrated performance, Wilson appears poised to continue the tradition of excellence at the center position for the Dawgs.
Anthony Evans
Evans emerged seemingly out of nowhere in 2023, and with the departures of Ladd McConkey and Marcus Rosemary-Jacksaint to the NFL, he’s poised to take on a larger role. Georgia fans got a glimpse of Evans’ potential late in the 4th quarter against Alabama, where he returned a punt to set up the Dawgs with excellent field position, ultimately leading to a scoring opportunity. Additionally, Evans showcased his skills by catching a touchdown pass in the Orange Bowl against FSU.
While it may be somewhat of a simplistic comparison, Evans draws parallels to Mekhi Mews. It’s expected that Evans will fill a similar role to Mews did last year, contributing in various ways to the team’s success. As Evans continues to develop and gain more playing time, he has the potential to become a key playmaker for the Dawgs, much like Mews was in the previous season.
Lawson Luckie
Brock Bowers left an indelible mark as not just the top tight end in college football, but also as one of the standout players to don the red and black jersey. Filling his shoes is undoubtedly a formidable challenge. While it’s expected that Oscar Delp and Yurosek will see significant playing time as the primary tight ends for the Dawgs, there’s a growing anticipation around Lawson Luckie potentially having a breakout season.
Standing at 6’3 and weighing 240 pounds, the sophomore Luckie made appearances in 7 games during the 2023 season and aims to secure more playing time this spring. Upon reviewing last year’s games during the winter hiatus, it became evident that Luckie needs to enhance his blocking skills to earn increased playing opportunities. Meeting expectations, especially in terms of blocking, is a hallmark of the Georgia program under Kirby Smart, and there’s confidence that Luckie will rise to the occasion.
In the coming weeks, don’t be surprised to hear Luckie’s name mentioned as a player who’s making significant strides during spring practice, potentially setting the stage for a breakout season ahead.
