The Most Important Player at Every Position This Spring for Georgia Football
As Georgia football prepares for the 2024 season, spring practices offer a vital opportunity for players to showcase their skills and for coaches to make adjustments to their lineup. With the Bulldogs coming off two consecutive national championships, there’s a lot of anticipation surrounding the program’s pursuit of a third title. With key players moving on, especially those who helped cement Georgia’s dominance, new faces will have to step up and fill the void. Here’s a look at the most important player at each position this spring for Georgia football.
1. Quarterback – Carson Beck
The quarterback position has been one of the most stable spots for Georgia over the past few years with Stetson Bennett under center leading them to two national championships. However, with Bennett now in the NFL, Georgia is turning to Carson Beck to take over the reins of the offense. Beck, who has shown promise in limited action behind Bennett, is expected to be the starter heading into the 2024 season. His development this spring is crucial.
Beck has all the tools to succeed—he has a strong arm, good mechanics, and the ability to make all the throws required of a top-tier quarterback. However, he will need to adjust to being the full-time starter and leading the offense. With Georgia’s talented receiving corps and an experienced offensive line, Beck has the potential to continue Georgia’s offensive success. Spring practices will be key for Beck to gain comfort and chemistry with his teammates, especially in managing the expectations that come with following in Bennett’s footsteps.
2. Running Back – Kendall Milton
Georgia’s running back room is stacked with talent, but this spring, Kendall Milton stands out as the most important player. With the departure of workhorse running back Kenny McIntosh to the NFL, the Bulldogs will need someone to take over as the lead back. Milton, who has shown flashes of brilliance in past seasons, has the physical tools to be a dominant force in the SEC. At 6’1″ and 220 pounds, he has the size and power to break tackles, but he also has the speed to take it to the house on any given play.
Milton’s ability to stay healthy and take on a larger role will be essential this spring. If he can stay consistent, he could be the centerpiece of Georgia’s offense, especially in a running back-by-committee approach. Milton’s development will be critical in establishing a balanced offense that can both pass and run effectively.
3. Wide Receiver – Ladd McConkey
In 2024, Ladd McConkey is expected to be Georgia’s most important wide receiver. While the Bulldogs have a deep group of talented receivers, McConkey’s combination of route-running, speed, and ability to make big plays makes him a key figure in the offense. He was a crucial target for Stetson Bennett in 2023, and now, with Carson Beck under center, McConkey will be pivotal in helping the new quarterback settle in.
McConkey’s ability to stretch the field, work in the slot, and be a reliable target on third downs will be essential as Georgia looks to maintain its offensive balance. He has the experience and the playmaking ability to be the leader in the receiving corps, and his performance this spring will set the tone for the Bulldogs’ aerial attack in 2024.
4. Tight End – Brock Bowers
Brock Bowers is arguably the best player on Georgia’s roster and is the most important offensive player this spring. Bowers is a matchup nightmare for any defense, with his size, athleticism, and ability to make plays both as a blocker and a receiver. He has been a dominant force for the Bulldogs since his freshman year and is expected to play an even larger role in 2024.
With the departure of key offensive pieces, Bowers will likely become the focal point of Georgia’s offense. Whether lining up as a traditional tight end, in the slot, or out wide, Bowers provides Carson Beck with a safety net and is capable of taking over games. His leadership on the field, both as a blocker and a playmaker, makes him the most indispensable player on the offense heading into spring practice.
5. Offensive Line – Amarius Mims
The offensive line will need to replace some key players in 2024, but one constant is Amarius Mims, who is expected to be a key figure in the trenches this spring. Mims, a highly touted 2022 recruit, has shown great potential at tackle and is expected to take over as a leader on the line. His combination of size (6’7″ and 330 pounds) and athleticism make him a standout in both the run and pass game.
Mims’ development in 2024 is crucial as Georgia seeks to maintain its dominance in the SEC. With the quarterback transition, it will be essential for Mims and the offensive line to provide stability and protection for Carson Beck. Mims’ ability to anchor the line and establish a physical presence will set the tone for the Bulldogs’ offensive success.
6. Defensive Line – Jalen Carter
With Jalen Carter moving on to the NFL, the defensive line will have a big hole to fill, and senior Zion Logue is expected to be the most important player at this position this spring. Logue has played a key role in Georgia’s defensive front for the past few seasons and has the size and experience to lead the Bulldogs’ defensive line.
As Georgia looks to continue its defensive dominance, Logue’s ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and clog up running lanes will be vital. He is expected to step into a leadership role this spring, helping to mentor the younger players on the line. His development and consistency will be key to Georgia’s success in stopping the run and creating havoc in opposing backfields.
7. Linebacker – Jamon Dumas-Johnson
Jamon Dumas-Johnson is one of the most talented linebackers in the SEC and will be essential for Georgia’s defense this spring. After a breakout 2023 season, Dumas-Johnson is poised to take over as the leader of Georgia’s linebacker corps in 2024. His ability to play sideline to sideline, read offenses, and contribute in both the run and pass game makes him one of the most important players on the defense.
Georgia’s defense thrives on speed and playmaking ability at linebacker, and Dumas-Johnson embodies both. As the Bulldogs look to continue their dominance on that side of the ball, Dumas-Johnson’s leadership and playmaking ability will be critical. His performance this spring will determine how Georgia’s linebacker corps shapes up heading into the season.
8. Secondary – Malaki Starks
Malaki Starks emerged as a standout player in Georgia’s secondary in 2023, and he’s expected to be the most important defensive back for the Bulldogs this spring. As one of the top safeties in the nation, Starks brings excellent coverage skills, a high football IQ, and the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways.
With the departures of key players from the secondary, Starks will need to take on a larger leadership role, helping to develop younger players and solidifying Georgia’s pass defense. His ability to make plays on the ball, whether in coverage or as a tackler, will be crucial as Georgia faces high-powered offenses in the SEC. Starks’ development this spring will play a major role in how the Bulldogs’ defense performs in 2024.
9. Kicker – Peyton Woodring
While it may not be the most glamorous position, kicker is one that could have a major impact on Georgia’s 2024 season. The Bulldogs are replacing their reliable kicker Jack Podlesny, and freshman Peyton Woodring will have the opportunity to take over the role. Woodring has a strong leg and is considered one of the top kicking prospects in the 2024 class. His ability to deliver in clutch moments, especially in close SEC games, will be vital for the Bulldogs.
Special teams are often the difference between winning and losing close games, and Woodring’s performance this spring will determine whether Georgia has the reliability it needs at kicker heading into the season.