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The 2016 season can’t come soon enough for Georgia fans, who want to wash away the taste of what they considered an underachieving 2015 campaign as soon as possible.
The start of a new year means the unveiling of the Kirby Smart coaching era in Athens, as well as the much-anticipated debut of prized quarterback recruit Jacob Eason.
But Smart will likely have his eyes on his team’s needs for 2016 and beyond as the Bulldogs continue to add talent to the 2016 recruiting class. Here’s a look at a few of the Dawgs’ most pressing on-field needs and their top three positions of priority for the current recruiting cycle.
QUARTERBACK
Losing after 2015: Faton Bauta
There were more than a few anxious moments in Athens until Eason re-affirmed his commitment in December following coach Mark Richt’s dismissal. Nothing gets a fan base more excited about the possibilities than a five-star quarterback, and Eason’s arrival couldn’t come soon enough for Georgia fans.
Eason will enroll in school in January and take part in spring practices, but it’s unrealistic to think he’ll come in and be the program’s savior from Day One. The learning curves for true freshmen quarterbacks is always a steep one, but there’s no denying Eason is a talent.
Bauta announced plans to transferr to Colorado State next semester, while incumbent starter Greyson Lambert and backup Brice Ramsey remain. Ramsey, a former four-star recruit who fell out of favor with the Richt staff, will likely be the team’s third quarterback and starting punter this fall.
Adding another quarterback as a capable backup would probably be a smart move as Lambert, a graduate transfer from Virginia, will be in his last year of eligibility. But the Dawgs have been burned in their recent choices. Smart and his staff will need to be more diligent this time around.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
Losing after 2015: Leonard Floyd and Jordan Jenkins.
The bad part about having one of the nation’s most talented linebacking corps is knowing the NFL will be calling them earlier than you’d like. Floyd has already declared for the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft and is expected to be a first-round selection. The steady Jenkins will also hear his name called and will be playing on Sundays next fall.
The two combined for 20 tackles for loss and eight of Georgia’s 21 sacks this year. Replacing their production and ability to consistently harass opposing quarterbacks won’t be easy.
Additionally, both Tim Kimbrough, who ranked third on the team in tackles with 67, and Lorenzo Carter figure to be playing their final seasons next year. Kimbrough will be a senior, while the 6-foot-6, 237-pound Carter is a good bet to leave college early for NFL riches.
Georgia has been blessed over the years to have had a long line of dominant pass rushers that make the defense go. Stocking up on more of them will be a top priority.
WIDE RECEIVER
Losing after 2015: Malcolm Mitchell, Justin Scott-Wesley
Mitchell’s loss is huge as he was the go-to guy in a Bulldogs passing attack that struggled, yet never would have even as much as gotten off the ground without him. Mitchell finished the regular season with 53 catches for 751 yards and four touchdowns, but desperately needed help.
Rising sophomore Terry Godwin came on late, but will need to be more consistent. Return specialist Isaiah McKenzie is also an option at receiver, but must stay healthy.
The Dawgs needed to add another big-time target for Eason or whoever is under center and are in the running for a number of other receiver prospects as well. The hope is to land several capable targets for Eason to grow with over the next few years.
Other positions Georgia should target: OL, RB, DL, P, K.
CURRENT RECRUITING CLASS
Georgia’s official 2016 recruiting class includes 14 commitments, ranking it sixth in the SEC and 12th nationally, according to 247Sports.
Eason, the Bulldogs’ lone five-star recruit, is obviously the crown jewel, but there are several four-star prospects who could step in right away and help Georgia next fall.
GEORGIA ON TRACK TO FILL NEEDS
Originally landing a commitment from Eason in the summer of 2014 was a big deal, but winning him over again following Richt’s dismissal was Georgia’s best recruiting win yet. Without him, the Bulldogs would have had little optimism that they could vastly improve a stagnant passing offense that ranks 103rd nationally in 2015.
Junior college All-American wide receiver Javon Wims could be a factor right away for the Dawgs with his speed and 6-foot-4 frame that will come in handy along the goal line especially.
Others who might contribute right away include a trio of four-star recruits in behemoth offensive tackle Ben Cleveland, running back Elijah Holyfield, and defensive tackle Julian Rochester.
OUTLOOK
The Dawgs won’t be lacking in talent next fall. It’s just a matter of filling in a few small gaps.
But coaching changes in December aren’t exactly conducive to a smooth recruiting process. Smart and his staff have worked tirelessly since taking over to assure the Bulldogs’ current commitments, while trying to sell others to come join them in Athens.
So far, so good.
But how this class is later viewed will largely rest on Eason’s development.
John Hollis is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Georgia and Florida.
