Georgia football signed four defensive backs in the 2020 recruiting cycle. But the group has already seen some attrition early in the 2020 season. Kelee Ringo, Georgia’s top-rated signee in the 2020 class, had surgery on his labrum and will be out for an unspecified amount of time. Daran Branch has also been away from the team for personal reasons, though Georgia coach Kirby Smart said he rejoined the team on Saturday.
Despite the difficulties, the Georgia defensive backs seem to be just fine. It helps that outside of J.R. Reed, every major contributor returns this season. Richard LeCounte is one of the leaders of the team and a third-year starter. Eric Stokes, Tyson Campbell and DJ Daniel all have significant starting experience at the cornerback position. Mark Webb will once again man the star position in Georgia’s defense.
That’s before even mentioning sophomores Lewis Cine and Tyrqiue Stevenson, who will be looking to take on bigger roles within the Georgia defense.
And while Webb won’t compare the Georgia secondary to some of the other top units in the country, there is a confidence about what this group will be able to do this season.
“We come in and are just making sure we are working on ourselves and the things we aren’t great at, so basically our weaknesses and stuff like that,” Webb said. “I feel like every DB has made a big jump from where he was last year.”
Webb even took the time to praise the two freshman defensive backs that are working and improving with each practice.
“Even the young guys like Jalen Kimber, Major Burns,” Webb said. “Players like them come to practice every day and work and, consistently, things just get better. All our DBs are learning, learning fast, and I’m learning with them as I try to teach them and give them the ropes.”
Georgia put out a number of photos from Monday’s practice with a clear emphasis on the position group. Among those photographed were Stokes, Daniels, Kimber and Webb.
The Bulldogs had their first scrimmage of the fall this past Saturday and will have another this coming Saturday. Georgia’s first game is set for Sept. 26, when the Bulldogs take on Arkansas. While Webb spoke about the defensive backs, much of the attention was and will be on the Georgia quarterback battle between Jamie Newman and JT Daniels.
Both players were photographed at practice, along with running backs Zamir White and James Cook, among others.
Webb, offensive lineman Owen Condon, outside linebacker Jermaine Johnson and Jake Camarda spoke with reporters on Monday to discuss practice and how things are going ahead of the 2020 season.
Georgia football defensive back Mark Webb
Georgia football offensive lineman Owen Condon
Georgia football outside linebacker Jermaine Johnson
Georgia football punter Jake Camarda
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