DawgNation now has five staffers who cover the Georgia football team from every angle: Beat, live streams, photos, podcasts, recruiting, etc. The “Nickel coverage” aim is simple: 1) Present a topic; 2) Offer a reasoned response; 3) Share a brisk statement to support the informed opinion.
DawgNation has amplified the “Cover 4” concept which was in regular rotation in 2018. We now have five staffers who cover the UGA athletics program on a full-time basis and that means the focus shifts from a “Cover 4” to a nickel look with five guys now manning the secondary here.
The name has changed but the quick in-and-out game here still remains with this feature.
The second “DawgNation nickel coverage” question of 2019: Which spring practice storyline do fans need to pay more attention to?
These takes are designed to come out quicker than former Bulldog Mecole Hardman Jr. ran the 40 this year at the NFL combine.
Brandon Adams: The competition at safety
The why from Adams: “J.R. Reed is one of the team’s best players, but the spot occupied last season by Richard LeCounte could be up for grabs with Otis Reese and possibly Lewis Cine vying for their opportunity.”
Chip Towers: Jake Fromm’s backup quarterback
The take from Towers: “They’re never important until you actually need one, and the guess is whether it’s Stetson Bennett or D’wan Mathis, it’s likely to be a significant dropoff from the departed Justin Fields.”
Mike Griffith: Who will wreak havoc?
The why from On the Beat: “Kirby Smart’s desire to bring more pressure is predicated on playmakers. The linebacking corps is deep, talented and very competitive — who emerges?”
Connor Riley: Which veteran wideout will step up?
The why from Good Day UGA: “Kirby Smart publicly wished that 5-star WR George Pickens and 4-star WR Dominick Blaylock were already on campus. There’s talent coming in, but there’s a lot of good depth already at the position. Guys like Demetris Robertson and Tyler Simmons have a chance to prove they can be counted on come the fall.”
Jeff Sentell: Who will return punts and kicks in 2019?
The why: “Think about it for a second. Mecole Hardman? Gone. Terry Godwin? Gone. Ahkil Crumpton? Gone. Those were primary guys to return punts and kickoffs. Who’s the next man up? Is it James Cook or Kearis Jackson? Tyler Simmons? D’Andre Swift? Don’t forget rising freshman Dominick Blaylock here.”