Georgia Football’s spring practice begins this week. Spring practice marks the start of the talking season, with many discussing the Dawgs’ deficiencies and previewing the team’s schedule. However, most Georgia fans want to know who the breakout players are in practice.
So, here are the five greatest candidates to break out for the Dawgs in spring practice.
1. Ben Yurosek
Yurosek emerges from a mysterious and powerful transfer portal. Yurosek formerly played at Stanford before coming to Athens. Yurosek’s greatest year was his sophomore season in 2021, when he caught 43 passes for 658 yards and three touchdowns. But ailments marred his stay at Stanford. Yorosek played in only six games in 2023, totaling 239 yards on 16 receptions.
However, there has been much discussion regarding the Georgia program and the influence Yurosek will have. Some in college football feel he was one of the best tight ends in the country, so it’s not surprising that he’ll make an immediate impact on the field.
Josh Pate went to interview Kirby Smart the other week, and he identified Yurosek as one of the Dawgs’ potential breakout talents. Pate stated that many in the program were enthused about what he may do for the Dawgs in 2024.
2. Jamaal Jarrett and Jordan Hall
Is it cheating to count two guys as one on the list? I like to break the rules, and Jarret and Hall intend to do the same for the Dawgs in 2024. Both were members of the recruiting class of 2023 and contributed significantly to the Dawgs’ success this season. To play as a freshman lineman for Georgia under Kirby Smart, you must be really excellent. Jarrett and Hall did this and plan to enhance their performance in 2024. With the Dawgs’ defensive line lacking depth and experience, Jarrett and Hall will need to step up. These two defenders will be formidable up front in 2024.
3. Jared Wilson
Sedrick Van-Pran was a standout center for the University of Georgia football program. Van-Pran started almost 40 games for the Bulldogs and was one of college football’s top centers. Replacing such a talented athlete with so many in-game snaps would be difficult for any other program. However, Wilson is the ideal candidate to fill Sedrick Van-Pran’s shoes. The 6’4 310-pound center is a junior who appeared in 13 of the Dawgs’ 14 games. I was pleased by him in the Orange Bowl and during the regular season when he did mop-up duty. Many in the program believe Wilson has the potential to be Georgia’s next great center.
4. Anthony Evans
Evans appeared out of nowhere in 2023, and with Ladd McConkey and Marcus Rosemary-Jacksaint leaving for the NFL, Evans is looking for additional opportunities. Georgia fans saw Evans return a punt in the fourth quarter against Alabama, giving the Dawgs a short field and putting them in scoring position. Evans then caught a touchdown in the Orange Bowl against Florida State. This might be a lazy comparison, but Evans reminds me of Mekhi Mews. Evans is expected to perform similarly to Mews last year.
5. Lawson Luckie
Brock Bowers was not only the best tight end in college football, but also one of the best athletes to have ever worn the red and black. Filling those shoes is a difficult feat. It is safe to say that Oscar Delp and Yurosek will be the two tight ends for the Dawgs who see the most action. Many believe Lawson Luckie might have a breakout season.
The 6’3, 240-pound sophomore appeared in seven games in 2023 and hopes to garner more playing time this spring. After watching last year’s games over the lengthy winter, Luckie needs to improve his blocking in order to obtain more playing time.
That is the expectation at Georgia under Kirby Smart, and I believe Luckie will meet it. Expect to hear Luckie’s name mentioned in the coming weeks as a player who is putting together a strong spring practice.
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