2020 Georgia Bulldogs Preview
CFB Saturdays presents its inaugural team previews. Below you will find our comprehensive 2020 Georgia Football Preview. (Note all recruiting rankings are based upon 247Sports composite rankings).
A Look Back and a Peek Ahead
Georgia finished the season 12-2 with a strong win over Baylor in the All State Sugar Bowl. The two losses came at home against South Carolina (4-8) and LSU (national champs).
The Defense was dominant ranking #3 nationally in yards per game (275.7), #2 in yards per play (4.29), #1 in scoring defense (12.6 ppg), and #14 in 3rd down conversions (31.58%). The unit held opponents at or under 20 points in every game except LSU (37 points allowed).
The team’s success was held back by the lack of production on offense. The offense ranked #61 in yards per game (408.1), #46 in yards per play (6.08), #49 in points per game (30.8), and #50 in 3rd down conversions (41.18%). The offense failed to score more than 25 points in seven games despite having 6 NFL Draft picks (including two in Round 1, one in Round 2).
To correct the offensive issues HC Kirby Smart replaced OC James Coley with Todd Monken, the former Cleveland Browns OC. Monken is regarded as a pass first coach and should open up the Georgia attack, although Smart is known for wanting his teams to run the ball. Former Ole Miss HC Matt Luke was quickly hired by Smart to be the OL coach and is a major addition on offense.
The addition of graduate transfer QB Jamie Newman is the headliner in player acquisition, but fellow transfer TE Tre McKitty bolsters the talent at another position in need.
2020 Georgia Bulldogs Preview – Offense
Quarterback
After losing 5th round draft pick Jake Fromm to the NFL Draft, Kirby Smart hit a home run in the transfer portal by landing QB Jamie Newman from Wake Forest. Newman has all of the physical tools at 6’4” 230 and displays good arm strength, accuracy, and good (not great) athleticism. Due to these tools he has the attention of NFL teams and odds makers alike (6th best odds to be the 1st overall selection in 2021 NFL Draft).
The graduate transfer is coming off a 2019 season that started strong and ended miserably. Through the first seven games (he missed FSU due to injury) Newman’s passing numbers were as follows: 295.4 YPG, 67.2% completions, 8.4 YPA, 20 TDs, and 5 INTS. Over the final five contests those numbers dropped to 161.8 YPG, 47.3% completions, 7.1 YPA, 6 TDs and 6 INTs (He did have success on the ground throughout the season). The Deacs ended a promising 7-1 season by closing with a 1-4 record.
The numbers may not lie but they don’t tell the whole story. Newman himself suffered an injury in the 6th game of the season and lost his top receiver and third leading receiver as we outlined in our transfer spotlight article. Making matters worse was the offensive line’s struggles as the unit gave up 13 sacks over those five contests (2.6 per game).
At Georgia Newman will have a significantly better roster around him and has displayed the ability to play at a very high level when his offensive talent is relatively similar to the opposition. Georgia fans could not ask for more in 2020 after the offense’s subpar performance last season. Newman will undoubtedly be the starter and have his name in the conversation for several post season awards.
Behind the talented senior will be the mobile RJr. Stetson Bennett, along with two young players with promise in RFr. D’Wan Mathis and Fr. Carson Beck. Mathis was cleared before the spring to play after a surgery on a brain cyst had held him out of action. None of these players has produced enough to note but do give the Dawgs some depth at the position.
2020 Outlook: This position belongs the Newman. Kirby Smart brought him in to be the starter and lead a revamped Georgia attack in 2020. Look for him to take the team far this season.
Running back
The uber-talented Zamir White headlines the position as the former five star showed signs of recovery from two devastating ACL injuries (to each knee) in the All State Sugar Bowl. White will be expected to be the lead man, replacing 2nd round draft pick D’Andre Swift. White showed flashes but played sparingly until the bowl game against Baylor where he broke out for 92 yards and a score on 18 rushes. As long as the knee injuries are past him, White should explode onto the scene in 2020.
The returning competition for touches comes from Jr. James Cook and Soph. Kenny McIntosh, both of whom were well regarded recruits. Cook has run for over six yards a carry over the past two seasons but the opportunities have been scarce with the upperclassmen taking the bulk of the carries. He has been targeted some in the passing game and could be used more as a pass catcher in the future. McIntosh is also waiting his turn but displayed some ability in mostly mop-up duties averaging nearly 7.0 yards per rush. The production should increase with opportunity for Cook and McIntosh in 2020 but they will be pushed by blue-chipper Kendall Milton.
The true freshman enrolled early and was instantly the biggest back on the roster. As a prepstar he measured at 6’1” 220 and has clocked an 11.04 in the 100 meters, a scary-good time for a player his size. Milton’s high school film shows a player who runs with the power and balance needed to compete in the SEC and displays enough burst to make big plays. A talent like this will be hard for offensive coordinator Todd Monken to keep off the field.
2020 Outlook: Zamir White should be expected to be the lead back on the roster, but there is plenty of talented depth behind him in James Cook and Kenny McIntosh. Expect true freshmen Kendall Milton to push the incumbents for playing time sooner rather than later. This group will make a name for itself this season.
Wide Receiver
George Pickens. That is the name to remember for the Bulldogs at this position in 2020. The sophomore had a very productive freshmen campaign leading the team in receptions (49), yards (727), and TDs (8). Pickens closed the season in impressive fashion, dominating the Baylor defense with a 12 catch 175 yard performance. At 6’3” 190 he has the size, speed, and natural pass catching ability to take his game to another level. Expect Pickens to pick up the nuances of the position and produce at a high level in OC Todd Monken’s system.
Sr. Demetris Robertson (30 rec, 333 yards, 3 TDs) and Soph. Dominic Blaylock (18 rec, 310 yards, 5 TDs) also return in 2020. Robertson could benefit greatly from the new offense as he posted impressive numbers at Cal in 2016 (50 rec, 767 yards, 7 TDs). He should provide a steady second option for Newman in the passing game. Blaylock suffered a season ending injury against LSU in the SEC championship game, but is a heralded recruit who showed a well-rounded game in his freshmen season. If he can get healthy, the Bulldogs will have some more talented experience to rely on as Blaylock has the ability to be a #2 WR.
RSoph. Kearis Jackson, lengthy RJr. Matt Landers, Soph. Tommy Bush, R.Fr. Makiya Tongue, and RJr. Trey Blount also return. Bush and Landers are big targets standing at 6’5” and could make a move up the depth chart as legitimate threats in the red zone. This group needs to produce when given opportunities or risk being passed up by a trio of talented recruits.
Marcus Rosemy, Jermaine Burton, and Arian Smith headline a very talented group of freshmen for the Bulldogs. Rosemy and Burton both have good size, speed, and natural pass catching ability. Either could be a traditional #1 receiver down the road. Arian Smith is a burner with elite speed (10.3 100 meters) and 6’1” frame to go with it. One of these three freshmen will make a name for themselves in year one. Early enrollee Justin Robinson is a 6’4” player with upside who should develop into a red zone target in the future.
2020 Outlook: George Pickens is a stud. Blaylock and Robertson are primed to be capable supporting weapons. Expect a young star to emerge our of Rosemy, Burton, or Smith making this group truly formidable.
Offensive Line
The Bulldogs arguably had the best offensive line in the country in 2019. The impact of losing superstar Andrew Thomas and fellow OT Isaiah Wilson to the NFL draft is undeniable and G Solomon Kindley also came off the board in the 4th round. Adding insult to injury was the sudden transfer of talented OT Cade Mays to Tennessee. Thanks to the relentless recruiting efforts of Kirby Smart, however, this unit should still be strong enough in 2020.
Jr. Jamaree Salyer (6’4” 325) has the build of a guard but will likely be asked to play RT next season. He plays with toughness and has plus athleticism for his size and started two games at the position in 2019. Sr. Ben Cleveland (6’6” 335) is a veteran player who should be able to fortify the right guard spot. Trey Hill (6’4 330) returns as the starter at center and showed marked improvement as the season progressed earning AP All-SEC 2nd Team Honors. Having a starter return at center is always important and the Bulldogs are in a great spot at the position.
On the left side the hope is that Sr. Justin Shaffer (6’4” 330) will be healthy after suffering a neck injury midway through last season. Shaffer played against Notre Dame and earned his first collegiate start at left guard against Tennessee. Had his season not been cut short Georgia would be returning even more experience at the position. At left tackle the Bulldogs will be hoping for RFr. Xavier Truss (6’7” 330) to live up to his tremendous potential. The former blue chip recruit has the tools to be a dominant player but will undoubtedly take his lumps in his first season starting.
There is some developing talent behind those five as well. RSoph. Warren Ericson (6’4” 305) started the season finale and projects as a future starter. RFr. Warren McClendon (6’4” 320) and R.Fr. Clay Webb (6’3” 290) should be ready to provide quality depth on the interior and McClendon has enough athleticism to cover at tackle.
It would be surprising to see the newcomers contribute significantly with the talent on the roster, but one or two will be called upon to provide depth at the some point during the season. Broderick Jones (5 star), Tate Rutledge (4 star), Sedrick Van Pran (4 star), and Chad Lindberg (4 star) headline the group. Austin Blaske and Devin Willock round out the group, and could surprise despite their modest recruiting rankings.
2020 Outlook: This group will not be as good as the elite 2019 unit, but there is plenty of talent. With a relatively healthy season and promising play by RFr. LT Xavier Truss, this group should still be very good.
Tight End
Florida State transfer Tre McKitty is a big addition to this group and brings athleticism and some production to the position (averaging 24.5 recs, 248.5 yards, and 1 TD the past two seasons). McKitty was never able to unlock his potential at Florida State and we will find out quickly if that was a product of his inconsistency or the larger problems in Tallahassee the past few seasons. His addition is a welcome sight as there is no proven production behind him.
RSoph. John Fitzpatrick (6’6” 230) and a pair of redshirt freshmen in Brett Seither (6’5” 228) and Ryland Goede (6’6” 240) are the only other returning players on the roster. The trio has barely produced but there is potential based upon their recruiting rankings.
True freshmen man-child Darnell Washington (6’7.5” 261) is a physical specimen. It is always difficult to project major contributions from freshmen, no matter how talented, but Washington’s size could be an instant weapon in the red zone. His natural gifts give a significant boost to the talent of this position.
2020 Outlook: The Dawgs did not utilize the TE position in the passing game often in 2019 but expect that to change with transfer Tre McKitty. He should improve his production markedly in this offense and don’t be surprised if freshmen Darnell Washington sees the field sooner rather than later.
2020 Georgia Bulldogs Preview – Defense
Defensive Line
Unlike the offensive line, the defensive line did not lose anyone to the NFL Draft and returns plenty of talent and experience.
At the three technique Georgia benefits from the redshirt of Julian Rochester and return of fellow Sr. Devonte Wyatt (14 QB hurries in 2019). They will be pushed by youngsters Zion Logue (4 star), Bill Norton (4 star), Jalen Carter (5 star), and Warren Brinson (4 star). Carter is a highly regarded prospect and could contribute at some point during the season.
The nose tackle position returns Jr. Jordan Davis who is a plus athlete for his size (6’6” 320) and could take his game to another level in his third year. Davis was 4th on the team in TFLs with 4.5 and has plenty of experience and talent, it is just a matter of putting it all together more consistently. RJr. Netori Johnson and RFr. Tymon Mitchell have played sparingly and will likely not be called upon often. Both Rochester and Wyatt are capable of playing the position when Davis leaves the field.
Sr. Malik Herring and Soph. Travon Walker will lead the way at defensive end. They have a rare blend of size and athleticism that is ideal for Kirby Smart’s defense. Walker is a former five star recruit who should take a step forward in his second collegiate season. This is a formidable duo and a perfect scheme fit that rounds out a very deep, experienced, and talented front three.
2020 Outlook: The Defensive line returns five key contributors in NT Jordan Davis, DT Julian Rochester, DT Devonte Wyatt, DE Malik Herring, and DE Travon Walker. With some young talents including five star Jalen Carter, this unit should be one of the best in the nation.
Linebacker
Georgia plays with a hybrid linebacker/pass rusher called the Jack linebacker. RSoph. Azeez Ojulari returns and will build off a strong first year at the position (5.5 sacks, 18 QB hurries). He is joined at the position by former five star Soph. Nolan Smith (2.5 sacks, 11 QB hurries) another budding talent. This duo has a very high ceiling and will often find themselves on the field together, wreaking havoc for opposing offenses.
The Will position returns senior Monty Rice who led the team in tackles (89) in 2019 and is an all-around talent. Rice calls the defense for the Bulldogs and his presence will be invaluable for the defense. Rice can play inside as well and it would not be surprising to see the coaches make that move with former five star Soph. Nakobe Dean on the roster. Dean was slowed by an injury at the start of last season but gained experience towards the end of the year (25 TKLs, 1.5 TFL, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, 1 FF).
If Dean takes the next step, then Rice can man the Mike linebacker spot. The position also features junior Quay Walker who played in 13 games in 2019 and should provide quality depth.
The Sam linebacker is rarely used by the Bulldogs with offenses spreading teams out. The team does bring back senior contributors Jermaine Johnson and Walter Grant to this position. Jr. Adam Anderson has played in third down sub packages and look for that trend to continue.
Jr. Robert Beal, RFr. Rian Davis, and Jr. Channing Tindall are three players with plenty of athletic ability. Either of them could make a move up the depth chart if something clicks, but will provide additional depth at a minimum. Fr. Mekhail Sherman was the #32 player in the country and could make a name for himself as freshmen.
The Bulldogs are always good at linebacker, as indicated by our Position U Rankings, and 2020 should be no different.
2020 Outlook: Georgia returns a lot of experienced talent and versatility in this group. Senior Monty Rice will be the leader and is joined by Azeez Ojulari, Nakobe Dean, and Nolan Smith to headline a talented and deep group.
Defensive Back
At Cornerback Georgia returns Jr. Tyson Campbell who took a step forward last season. The 6’2” 185 pounder has the length and athleticism to be a very good player and should continue to develop his game in his third season. Junior college transfer D.J. Daniel took some lumps in his first season but played a bunch. Look for him to benefit from the experience, as many corners do, and provide more consistency in his second year on campus.
The third name to know at the top is RJr. Eric Stokes (38 TKLS & 9 PDs). Stokes displays very good coverage ability and consistency in space. These three will bring plenty of stability to the Georgia defense on the boundaries, and with some development from Campbell or Daniel there could be a star.
Depth is provided by RJr. Ameer Speed, and a pair of true freshmen in Jalen Kimber and Kelee Ringo. Ringo was the 4th ranked player in the class of 2020 and has the size (6’2” 205) and speed (10.43 100m) to be a factor in year one.
The return of Sr. Richard LeCounte, an NFL talent, was huge for the Bulldogs. LeCounte is both productive and disruptive (61 TKLs, 4.5 TFL, 4 INTs, 2 FF) on the back end. His experience as a third year starter will keep opposing QBs honest and limit coverage busts due to missed assignments.
The presence of LeCounte and other veterans will help Soph. Lewis Cine develop at the position. Cine was the #3 safety prospect in his recruiting class and has the natural ability to push for playing time if he can handle a larger role.
Mark Webb returns to the Star position with his experience and production (46 TKLs, 3 TFLs, 2 FF). RSoph. Divaad Wilson also saw time at the position, primarily in passing situations, and he compliments Webb’s game nicely. Wilson provides versatility as he can also play the traditional safety position.
Rising sophomore Tyrique Stevenson could steal the show at star in 2020 with his rare blend of size, speed, instincts, and coverage ability. Stevenson was the #34 player nationally in 2019 and showed the ability to disrupt plays in limited snaps (1 sack, 5 PBU, 2 QBH). Stevenson is the most gifted physically and his development could give the defense another star player.
2020 Outlook: Tyson Campbell, D.J. Daniel, and Eric Stokes give Georgia three corners with talent and experience. Richard LeCounte is a star at safety. The star position returns Mark Webb and Divaad Wilson, but Tyrique Stevenson, could take over with his talent.
Special Teams
2019 Lou Groza winner Rodrigo Blankenship is no longer with the team and leaves a major vacancy in his spot. Along with a few walk-on players, Fr. Jared Zirkle will also compete at kicker. It is also possible that punter Jake Carmada (46.8 avg, 6th nationally) could double as placekicker if no candidates emerge.
2020 Outlook: With Blankenship gone, the kicker position is one of the biggest question marks on the roster. Punter Jake Carmada should build upon a successful 2019.
Outlook in 2020
The offense will have a new look with Todd Monken and QB Jamie Newman added to the fold. There are a ton of young playmakers looking to take their game to the next level, and we like the chances of that happening. With the playmaking ability of Jamie Newman creating a new element, this offense should outperform the 2019 unit.
On defense Georgia returns a ton of key contributors from an already dominant defense. This unit is filthy good and is without question one of the best in the country.
The schedule sets up nicely with Auburn at home and the Florida game played at a neutral site in Jacksonville. The Alabama game on the road will be a tough test early on, and it is possible the offense is not settled in by then. Outside of that contest Georgia should be favored in every game. The
We see Georgia losing only one game in the regular season (if that). This team is ready to win the SEC and make a run at the National Championship in 2020.
To see a complete list of our Team Previews click here.
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GA VS LSU E101318 132 Image by Tammy Anthony Baker is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
