Kearis Jackson: Georgia football offense ‘playing fast … everybody in the right position’
DawgNation Staff
ATHENS — Georgia football players are being careful not to disclose too many details about the new offense or how competitions are paling out, but receiver Kearis Jackson provided feedback on Wednesday.
“I must say, the offense, the receivers, quarterbacks and running backs, and line, we’ve done a great job up to this point learning the offense,” Jackson said on a Zoom call with media.
The Bulldogs are in the midst of an offensive overhaul with new offensive coordinator Todd Monken leading a unit that will feature a new quarterback, new starting running back and three new starters on the offensive line.
Jackson, a redshirt sophomore who started the first game at slot receiver last season before suffering a broken hand, made it clear he’s optimistic.
“Coach Monken, I love the way he’s breaking in the offense,” Jackson said. “He loves to see guys make plays. If you can make plays, you can play for him.”
Jackson has emerged as a leader in the receivers room and is a favorite to return to starting duties.
The Bulldogs also have sophomores George Pickens and Dominick Blaylock, senior Demetris Robertson, junior Matt Landers and incoming freshmen Jermaine Burton and Marcus Rosemy competing for immediate playing time.
Knowing the playbook will be a big factor.
The offense is having to learn completely new terminology, and the receivers are learning new routes and getting their timing down with the five scholarship quarterbacks the Bulldogs have competing for that job.
Jackson admits the offseason Zoom meetings helped, even if he wasn’t a big fan of them at first.
“I wasn’t too big of a fan of a Zoom, but I was able to learn and interact with Coach (Cortez) Hankton and Coach Monken on the Zoom, and build a bond since we weren’t able to do spring,” Jackson said.
“I was on the Zoom every day talking to my teammates, and reviewing. It wasn’t the same feeling as being in the same meeting room, but we had to bring that energy every day and be locked in.”
The offseason focus had paid off through the first three days of practice.
“So far the whole offense has been doing a pretty good job, especially with the volume of the offense,” Jackson said. “Everything is new to us, but we’re taking it pretty well by coming in every day wanting to learn and get better.
“We’re facing a little adversity that we missed spring, but now since we have it in front of us, it’s ‘Go’ time.”
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