Georgia football’s top players at every position during spring practice

As the Georgia Bulldogs continue to rise as one of the most dominant programs in college football under head coach Kirby Smart, the excitement around spring practice is palpable. The Bulldogs’ spring practices are a crucial time for assessing returning players, identifying potential breakout stars, and integrating new talent from recruiting classes. Heading into 2023, Georgia is primed to make another run for the College Football Playoff and potentially secure a third consecutive national title, an unprecedented feat in the modern era of college football.

While the Bulldogs’ roster is loaded with talent across all positions, some players are emerging as key contributors during spring practice. With a blend of returning veterans and rising stars, Georgia’s spring practices are serving as a proving ground for the next wave of Bulldogs who will carry the team toward championship aspirations.

In this article, we take a closer look at Georgia’s top players at each position heading into spring practice, highlighting their contributions, development, and potential for the upcoming season.

Quarterback: Carson Beck

The most important position in football is quarterback, and Georgia has found a successor to Stetson Bennett in Carson Beck, who has impressed both coaches and teammates during the offseason. Beck, a former four-star recruit, has had a few opportunities to showcase his skills in the past couple of seasons when Bennett needed a breather or during mop-up duty. Now, with Bennett having moved on to the NFL, Beck will be tasked with leading the offense and continuing Georgia’s elite-level play under center.

During spring practice, Beck has taken full control of the first-team reps and has demonstrated his proficiency as a pocket passer. Standing at 6’4” and weighing in at 215 pounds, Beck has a strong arm and has shown the ability to make all the necessary throws. His accuracy and decision-making have been on display as he works with the first-team offense, and he has shown great chemistry with Georgia’s wide receivers and tight ends.

While there’s still competition at the position with Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton in the mix, Beck’s leadership, experience, and skill set make him the frontrunner to be Georgia’s starting quarterback for 2023.

Running Back: Kendall Milton

Although Georgia has a crowded running back room, Kendall Milton has emerged as one of the top players at the position during spring practice. The Bulldogs boast a wealth of talent in the backfield, with other standout backs like Daijun Edwards and true freshman Roderick Robinson, but Milton is currently the player drawing the most attention.

Milton, a former five-star recruit, has been plagued by injuries during his time at Georgia but has shown flashes of his potential when healthy. Standing at 6’1” and weighing around 220 pounds, Milton has a rare combination of size, speed, and power that makes him a tough runner between the tackles. During spring practices, he has looked fully recovered and has been a standout in both rushing drills and pass protection. His ability to pick up blitzes and serve as a versatile weapon in the passing game has added a new dimension to Georgia’s offense.

Georgia’s rushing attack is one of the best in the country, and Milton has the potential to be the next star in the Bulldogs’ backfield, especially with his leadership and experience in the system.

Wide Receiver: Ladd McConkey

At wide receiver, Ladd McConkey has emerged as one of Georgia’s most reliable playmakers. While the Bulldogs’ receiving corps lost a few key contributors, including George Pickens and Jermaine Burton, McConkey has taken on a larger role during spring practice and looks poised to be a focal point of the offense in 2023.

McConkey is a dynamic receiver with exceptional route-running ability, quickness, and hands. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 185 pounds, he is not the biggest receiver on the field, but his agility and ability to make defenders miss in the open field make him a dangerous weapon. In spring practice, McConkey has shown his ability to make plays in all areas of the field—whether it’s stretching the defense deep or working underneath on quick screens and slants.

His strong chemistry with quarterback Carson Beck and his ability to get open quickly and make plays after the catch have made him one of the standout players in Georgia’s offense this spring. McConkey will be looking to build on his solid performances in the 2022 season and play a pivotal role in Georgia’s passing attack moving forward.

Tight End: Brock Bowers

When it comes to tight ends in college football, Brock Bowers is in a class of his own. Bowers has been Georgia’s top offensive weapon since stepping onto the field as a freshman, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t continue his dominance in 2023. A matchup nightmare, Bowers possesses elite speed, hands, and blocking ability that make him a complete tight end.

During spring practice, Bowers has continued to showcase his dominance as both a pass-catcher and a blocker. At 6’4” and 240 pounds, Bowers is an explosive athlete who can stretch the field vertically, but he also has the strength and technique to make key blocks in the running game. His ability to create mismatches in the passing game, whether in the slot or on the outside, has been on full display during spring practices, and he’s likely to continue being a primary weapon for Georgia’s offense.

Bowers’ ability to control the middle of the field and create separation against both linebackers and defensive backs gives Georgia a unique advantage in the passing game. With another year of experience under his belt, Bowers could very well end up as the top tight end in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Offensive Line: Broderick Jones

On the offensive line, Broderick Jones has been one of the standout players during spring practice. Jones, a former five-star recruit, has solidified himself as one of the top tackles in the nation and is one of the top players at Georgia’s most important position: left tackle. As a key piece of Georgia’s offensive line, Jones has been tasked with protecting the quarterback’s blind side and opening up running lanes for the Bulldogs’ talented backs.

At 6’4” and 310 pounds, Jones has the size, strength, and athleticism to handle the demands of playing left tackle at the highest level. Throughout spring practice, he has showcased his ability to anchor the line in both pass protection and the running game. Jones has exceptional footwork and balance, allowing him to stay in front of defenders even when they try to change direction or pressure the quarterback.

As one of the best offensive tackles in college football, Jones will be a key player for Georgia in 2023 and could potentially be a top NFL Draft pick in the coming years.

Defensive Line: Jalen Carter

On the defensive line, Jalen Carter is without a doubt one of the top players during spring practice. A consensus top-5 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Carter is widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive players in college football. At 6’3” and 310 pounds, Carter has the strength to overpower offensive linemen, as well as the speed and explosiveness to disrupt plays in the backfield.

Carter has been a disruptive force during spring practices, consistently wreaking havoc in the offensive backfield and making plays against both the run and the pass. His quick first step and ability to collapse the pocket make him a matchup nightmare for opposing offensive lines. Carter’s leadership and experience on the field will be invaluable as he looks to help Georgia continue its defensive dominance in 2023.

Linebacker: Jamon Dumas-Johnson

Jamon Dumas-Johnson has been a standout linebacker during spring practice and has emerged as one of Georgia’s most important defensive players. Dumas-Johnson is a versatile linebacker who excels in both pass coverage and against the run. His ability to read plays quickly and make tackles in space has been impressive during Georgia’s spring practices.

At 6’1” and 225 pounds, Dumas-Johnson has the size and athleticism to cover tight ends, running backs, and wide receivers. He’s also a sure tackler who can take on offensive linemen and ball carriers in the trenches. Dumas-Johnson’s playmaking ability and leadership will be critical as Georgia looks to maintain its strong defensive play throughout the 2023 season.

Defensive Back: Kelee Ringo

Kelee Ringo has emerged as one of Georgia’s top players in the defensive backfield during spring practice. A physical cornerback with exceptional speed and ball skills, Ringo is one of the top cornerbacks in college football. Standing at 6’2” and 210 pounds, he possesses the size and athleticism to cover big wide receivers while also having the quickness to keep up with fast, smaller receivers.

Ringo has been one of Georgia’s most consistent defenders during spring practices, showing his ability to shut down passing lanes and make crucial interceptions. His ability to lock down receivers in man coverage and his strong presence in zone schemes make him a vital asset to Georgia’s secondary.

Conclusion: A Star-Studded Roster

As Georgia enters spring practice, the Bulldogs are loaded with talent at every position, with several standout players emerging as key contributors for the upcoming season. From Carson Beck at quarterback to Brock Bowers at tight end and Jalen Carter on the defensive line, Georgia’s top players are poised to continue the program’s dominance in 2023. With a mix of experienced veterans and young talent, the Bulldogs are ready to make another championship run, and spring practice is the first step toward achieving that goal.