ATHENS — Ultimately, it all plays out on the field.
But for now, the Georgia football 2020 signing class sits in the books as No. 1 rated, per the 247Sports Composite.
It makes for some interesting speculation, particularly when graduate transfers Jamie Newman and Tre Mckitty — who aren’t part of the class ranking — are considered into the mix.
It has also led for another offseason filled with great expectations, something UGA fans are becoming accustomed to.
The Bulldogs bring back a salty defense that returns nine of 11 starters from the Sugar Bowl team.
That wouldn’t seem to suggest many opportunities available, until one considers that defensive coordinator Dan Lanning had 37 players get more than 100 snaps last season.
It’s a philosophy Coach Kirby Smart is obviously on board with, and there’s no reason to believe that will change.
On the front end, the quick read is Kelee Ringo, Jalen Carter and MJ Sherman could find snaps provided they transition effectively.
Particularly Ringo, the nation’s No. 1-ranked cornerback in the 2020 Class. The Georgia secondary lines up with five defensive backs in a 3-3-5 alignment most often.
Smart and defensive backs coach Charlton Warren are adept at keeping fresh players in the secondary, one of the keys to the Bulldogs preventing big plays.
On offense, five of 11 who started in the 26-14 win over Baylor in New Orleans on Jan. 1 return.
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There are several opportunities for impact players and many different positions, to the extent Smart and his staff are counting on it.
Early enrollees Kendall Milton, Carson Beck and Justin Robinson are giving themselves their best shot at playing time.
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The arrivals of top-five tackle prospects Tate Ratledge and Broderick Jones are eagerly awaited, and likewise for the other elite signees in the offensive skill position groups.
Spring drills, which will start in mid-March and culminate with the annual G-Day Game on April 18, will be the beginning of the quarterback derby as well as position battles at offensive tackle, running back and receivers getting sorted out.
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