Kirby Smart of Georgia on the Absence of Orange Bowl Opt-Outs: “They Want to Finish First”
The majority of the Georgia Bulldogs’ roster is probably going to be eligible to play on Saturday, unlike their opponent in the Orange Bowl.
In an interview with media prior to a game against Florida State, head coach Kirby Smart was questioned about his team’s lack of opt-outs:
“That was led by the team’s leaders. I refrained from becoming involved. I was extremely upfront when I met with the seniors and every player who was eligible for the draft. After that, they had to decide with their family. However, they wish to win. They don’t want to win the SEC championship in their final game against Georgia.” A minimum of twenty players from Florida State’s regular-season depth chart are no longer with the team due to injuries, players registering for the NFL draft, and players using the transfer portal.
Among the Seminoles’ players who won’t be playing are Jordan Travis, Keon Coleman, Tate Rodemaker, Trey Benson, Jared Verse, Johnny Wilson, and Jaheim Bell.
During the regular season, Benson led the club in both total touchdowns (15) and running yards (906). By yards, Bell, Wilson, and Coleman were their top three receivers. Verse placed second on the squad with 12.5 tackles for loss and led the team with nine sacks.
In contrast, as of right now, no Georgia athlete has formally opted out. Amarius Mims and Brock Bowers did not accompany the squad to Miami earlier.
Five 2023 Georgia football players to keep an eye on
Tight end Brock Bowers
In his first two years as a Bulldog, Brock Bowers has lit up the college football landscape with 119 receptions for 1,824 yards and 20 touchdowns. But this year, Georgia’s offense will appear quite different. Starting quarterback Stetson Bennett, offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and tight end Darnell Washington, the number two pick, are all gone. It will be interesting to see if Bowers can maintain his status as Georgia’s go-to player and produce at his historically high levels in the aftermath of these departures.
Inside linebacker Smael Mondon Jr.
Outside linebacker Georgia grew younger, but Smael Mondon Jr.’s return on the inside should help iron out many of the creases. In terms of tackles last year, Mondon topped Georgia with
From Missouri, where he led the Tigers in receiving in 2022, Dominic Lovett comes via transfer. Following the departure of veterans Kearis Jackson and Dominick Blaylock and the transfer of A.D. Mitchell to Texas, Georgia’s receiving room has experienced a fair share of upheaval. Lovett is a gifted athlete with a lot of big-play potential out of the slot who might develop into the starter quarterback for the Bulldogs’ future backup plan across the middle. Lovett could prove to be Georgia’s most significant new signing.
Mykel Williams, a defensive end
Due to a foot issue, this incredibly gifted edge missed the most of spring practice; nevertheless, he should heal fully in time for fall camp. Mykel Williams recorded six and a half tackles for a loss as a true freshman, including a team-high four and a half sacks. His two sacks in the College Football Playoffs late in the season propelled him to prominence in the United States. Williams is an exceptional athlete who can attack from almost any position on the edge. He may be the SEC’s top pass rusher if he can regain his health.
Center is Sedrick Van Pran.
Sedrick Van Pran is one of the most reliable players out there. The center is moving.
