Georgia has the most talented roster in the country and that was reflected in the preseason coaches poll where the Bulldogs received 46 first-place votes. Kirby Smart’s team is led by the returning talent, Carson Beck on offense and Mykel Williams, Smael Mondon Jr., and Malaki Starks on defense. Yet, with the yearly that a roster that talented inevitably suffers, Smart will need a few new faces to step up if he wants to win his third national championship in four years.
whether they’re from Smart’s 11-player transfer portal class or his 2024 No. 1 recruiting class in the country, with fall camp underway, it’s the first chance for the Georgia media to see these new players in Athens. So far, these players have been the most impressive and that could earn them significant snaps in Week 1 against Clemson.
Nate Frazer
It’s hard to steal headlines in a Georgia recruiting class, especially one like 2024 which featured four five-stars. So, Nate Frazer, the No. 2 running back in the country and a top 100 recruit, is flying under the radar, though maybe not for long.
Brooks Austin from Georgia Bulldogs on SI reported that Frazer, despite wearing a black non-contact uniform in Georgia’s second media viewing window, really impressed with his “noticeable twitch.”
Redshirt sophomore Branson Robinson and sophomore Roderick Robinson II have been competing for backup snaps behind Florida transfer Trevor Etienne this offseason, but Frazer may work his way into that conversation.
Justin Williams/Chris Cole
Kirby Smart went all-in on a youth movement at inside linebacker, not just allowing Jamon Dumas-Johnson and Xavian Sorey Jr. to transfer to other SEC programs this offseason, but reportedly also working Jalon Walker at edge rusher, his best position. That leaves Smael Mondon Jr. as the lone veteran with experienced sophomore C.J. Allen as his running mate and five-star freshmen Justin Williams and Chris Cole as the depth behind them.
Williams and Cole both came into college a bit light to play inside linebacker in the SEC, but both have added significant weight in the offseason and judging by the rave reports, have retained their freakish athleticism. If Williams and Cole are forced into action as true freshmen, there will be mistakes, but physically, they won’t look out of place with the best players in the country.
Ellis Robinson IV
Ellis Robinson IV, the No. 2 overall recruit in the country, has been seen with heavy tape on his right hand during camp, but it’s not slowing down his ascent up the depth chart. Julian Humphrey was reportedly given the first shot at cornerback reps opposite returning junior starter Daylen Everette and is in a battle with Daniel Harris, but Robinson could eventually pass them both.
Robinson’s athleticism has reportedly stood out amongst that group of talented defensive backs and with big question marks at CB2, the five-star freshman could be the answer.
Ben Yurosek
Oscar Delp was the obvious heir-apparent to Brock Bower, but he’s not the same type of prolific pass-catcher as his predecessor. So, Smart went out and added Benjamin Yurosek from Stanford in the transfer portal to ensure that Carson Beck had a dynamic playmaker over the middle.
Delp will certainly improve and is still TE1 entering the season, but Yurosek has reportedly been impressive and Austin of Georgia Bulldogs on SI wrote Georgia’s newest tight end, “he’s certainly going to be a factor in the vertical passing game once caught up to speed.”
That could signal not just a significant involvement early in the year, but a developing role that expands as the Stanford grad acclimates to Mike Bobo’s offense.
Colbie Young
Georgia needs a new starting wide receiver after the dismissal of Rara Thomas and Colbie Young, the transfer from Miami might be emerging as the favorite. The 6-foot-3 215-pound senior caught 47 passes for the Hurricanes last season and racked up 563 yards and five touchdowns.
Young’s size and physicality will be an asset for Beck, especially in the red zone, and give him a noticeable edge over 6-foot-2 200-pound Vanderbilt transfer London Humphreys.
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