ATHENS — The Georgia receiving corps figures to be the most fluid position on the football team this season, if history is an indicator.
Coach Kirby Smart cited a “merry go-round” of receivers coming in and out of the lineup last season on account of injuries (six).
This season could feature several different rotations as well, but for a different reason.
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The Bulldogs signed five receiver prospects, including 6-foot-2, 195-pound former St. Thomas Aquinas star Marcus Rosemy.
Terrence Edwards, Georgia’s all-time leading receiver and the owner-operator of the TE wide receiver academy in Atlanta, took a long look at Rosemy’s tape.
“I’ve watched Marcus since he committed,” Edwards told DawgNation. “I think he’s a little faster Riley Ridley.”
Ridley, of course, was a 6-2, 200-pound receiver who is also from the Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) metropolitan area.
Rosemy, meanwhile, says he compares himself to former Detroit Lions’ star Calvin Johnson.
“That’s my favorite receiver, “Rosemy said. “I grew up watching him play. When I would play Madden, I would get Detroit and just throw it up to him.”
Edwards said Rosemy is indeed a receiver who can get open and catch passes.
“(Rosemy) is one of those South Florida kids who is a great route-runner with great hands, and he’s built very well,” Edwards said. “He’s a guy that can put his foot in the ground and get in and out of breaks, and make tough catches.”
Ridley, who led the Bulldogs with 44 catches for 570 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2018, was also one of Georgia’s most accomplished downfield blockers.
Rosemy will need to improve his technique in that area to see meaningful repetitions, especially with a room full of returning receivers intent on holding their jobs.
Rosemy intends to earn his snaps.
“I look forward to making an impact my freshman year,” Rosemy said at the UnderAmour All-American Game workouts. “I just have to go in there, work hard, and get the job done.”
Still, Edwards sees a role that Rosemy could carve out for himself if he learns his playbook quickly and proves physical enough for Georgia’s version of the receiver position.
“I don’t think he is as straight-line fast as Jermaine,” Edwards said, referring to impact freshman target Jermaine Burton, who he favors to be the most impactful freshmen target.
“But (Rosemy) is a guy that’s going to be able to work the middle of the field like Ridley did and make those tough catches.”
New Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken has an “Air Raid” background. It’s widely believed the Bulldogs will spread the field more than a season ago with a more mobile quarterback under center who can escape the rush more easily and extend plays.
Sophomore George Pickens is the top target. Edwards projects senior Demetris Robertson to be the No. 2 man in many progressions.
But redshirt junior Matt Landers figures to be in the mix, and redshirt sophomores Tommy Bush and Kearis Jackson are also competing for reps.
But Rosemy has talent and upside that should get him on the field this season.
Particularly if he does indeed match Ridley’s talents and open-field blocking physicality and efficiency.
“He’s a little faster than Riley Ridley.” Edwards observed. “He’s a 4.5 guy coming in, and Riley was a 4.5 coming out.
“I think he has all the traits and similarities of Riley Ridley.”
Ridley is currently a member of the Chicago Bears, appearing in five games last season as a rookie after being selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
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