Polling the ‘Dawgs: Which Player Makes the Biggest Splash This Spring?

The Georgia Bulldogs will kick off spring practice next Wednesday, March 17th. As usual, there are significant questions here and there on the roster. Last spring we got the questions, but no answers. With a roaring quarterback competition, a new offensive coordinator, and big shoes to fill on the offensive line, Georgia football joined the rest of the sports world in coming to a screeching halt last March. No spring practice. No G-Day. No idea really what was in store until a fraught first half against Arkansas and a clutch delivery by the Mail Man.

This year, however, promises to be different, at least on offense. The quarterback situation is well-settled. Playmakers return at receiver, tight end, and tailback. We have a good idea what a Todd Monken offense could look like with a full year of practice time.

Now however the questions have moved to the defensive side of the ball. Georgia replaces just about everyone who played meaningful minutes in a successful 2020 secondary. The ‘Dawgs also lose some pieces up front, like Azeez Ojulari and Jermaine Johnson.

Somebody’s gotta play. And it’s not always the five star blue chipper you expected. So the question we submit to you, Dawg Sports readers, is this: who is the player who makes the biggest splash this spring in Athens? Some candidates:

Kelee Ringo. I’m not sure this one even counts, and is offered more for illustrative purposes. We’re not looking for obvious names here. We know the 6’2, 200 pound Ringo is going to make plays in the secondary if he returns healthy from shoulder surgery as a freshman. It’s like saying your favorite rock band is The Beatles. That’s just too easy. Next.

Ameer Speed. Now we’re talking. The fifth year senior defensive back has been a bit of a forgotten man in his time in Athens. At 6’3, 210 Speed looks like a linebacker and runs like a corner. But he’s been wedged behind guys like Deandre Baker, Eric Stokes, and Tyson Campbell for his whole career. Is it finally his turn?

Jalen Kimber. Kimber earned snaps in 2020 as a true freshman, although not a lot in that crowded, veteran secondary. He’s not as big as some other DBs at UGA, but he covers well and has good ball skills. Could Kimber snag a starting spot by having a consistent spring?

Nyland Green. I said on Signing Day that Green could end up being the surprise of the 2021 class, and I’m not backing off that now. The Newton County five star enrolled early in the Classic City in order to go through spring drills. At 6’2, 185 pounds he already has the size to play in the SEC. While it’s hard to call a national top 100 player a “surprise,” I still think Green could outperform expectations and earn a solid place in the rotation this spring.

Darnell Washington. While defensive back is where most eyes will be focused this spring, that doesn’t mean a player at another spot won’t be the one who turns heads. Washington only had seven catches in 2020, but most of those came after JT Daniels took over the QB spot. He and Washington have an undeniable rapport on the field, and it wouldn’t be too surprising to see the big tight end from Las Vegas show off his physical gifts this spring as that relationship (and Todd Monken’s playcalling) settle in.

Devin Willock. With Ben Cleveland and Trey Hill moving on, Georgia finds itself in need of help on the interior offensive line. Jamaree Salyer is a natural at guard but may be needed at left tackle. That could leave room for Willock to slide into the starting lineup. The coaches had great things to say about the redshirt freshman from Paramus, New Jersey last year. At 6’7, 340 pounds he’s a mountain of a man in the Cleveland mold, who’s done a great job getting in shape since arriving in Athens. If nothing else, he’ll turn heads with his sheer size.

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. While Georgia is well-set at the nose in 2021 with the return of Jordan Davis, Julian Rochester, Zion Logue, and Nazir Stackhouse. But Ingram-Dawkins is a talent. The 6’5, 300 pound top prospect from the state of South Carolina enrolled early at Georgia and has a great blend of size, strength, and quickness. If nothing else look for him to give fans a reason to be excited for when his turn comes.