Georgia Football Projected Offensive Depth Chart for the Orange Bowl
The disruptive trio of the NCAA transfer portal, NIL, and opt-outs for NFL-bound players has ushered in a new era of college football where roster instability has become the rule for teams outside of the College Football Playoff entering bowl season. With Georgia being excluded from the 2023 CFP, the Bulldogs have not been immune to this new norm as, to this point, 15 scholarship players from the 2023 roster have already entered the transfer portal prior to the Orange Bowl. Amidst that roster chaos, here is a projected depth chart for the Georgia offense entering Georgia's Orange Bowl matchup against Florida State on Dec. 30.
Predicted Orange Bowl Offensive Depth Chart
Quarterback
- #15 Carson Beck, 6' 4", 216, R-Jr.
- #14 Gunner Stockton, 6' 1", 210, R-Fr.
While he has yet to make an official announcement regarding his intentions for the 2024 season, all indications to this point are that Carson Beck will play in the Orange Bowl. With Brock Vandagriff transferring to Kentucky, R-Sophomore Gunner Stockton - who battled long into fall camp to be Georgia's top backup at the position - will be elevated to the No. 2 role for the first time in his career.
Running Back
- #30, Daijun Edwards, 5' 10", 201, Sr.
- #2, Kendall Milton, 6' 1", 220, Sr.
Running back is perhaps the most physically-demanding position in the sport, which is why draft-eligible backs often opt out of non-CFP games. However, both of Georgia's senior backs are poised to suit up one final time for the Bulldogs in the Orange Bowl. Following Georgia's loss in the SEC Championship Game, Milton made it clear that he intended to play in the Orange Bowl and while Edwards has not explicitly stated his intentions, the expectation is that he will play against Florida State on Dec. 30.
Tight End
- #4 Oscar Delp, 6' 5", 225, So.
- #7 Lawson Luckie, 6'3'', 240, Fr.
Recently minted three-time All-American Brock Bowers has not made an official announcement regarding his status for the Orange Bowl, but given that he will likely be a top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, there is a strong chance that Bowers will declare for the NFL and opt-out of the Orange Bowl. If that is indeed the case, Oscar Delp will take over starting TE duties as he did against Florida and Missouri while Bowers was recovering from a high ankle sprain. Luckie will then be elevated to the No.2 tight end spot, giving him an opportunity to gain additional invaluable experience ahead of the 2024 season.
WR, Dominic Lovett Catches a TD Vs Georgia Tech - Photo: Brooks Austin
Wide Receiver X
- #1 Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, 6' 2", 195, Sr.
- #5, Rara Thomas, 6' 2", 200, Jr.
With injuries and potential early declarations for the NFL draft, the receiver position is perhaps the most difficult position to handicap heading into Georgia's Orange Bowl date with Florida State. Rara Thomas earned eight starts during the 2023 regular season before suffering a foot sprain that kept him out of Georgia's regular season finale against Georgia Tech and the SEC Championship Game. With his availability still in question, the safest bet to start at the X receiver position for Georgia is senior Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint.
Wide Receiver Z
- #86 Dillon Bell, 6' 1", 210, So.
- #11 Arian Smith, 6' 0", 185, R-Jr.
With star WR Ladd McConkey's status for the Orange Bowl still very much up-in-the-air due to both injury and potential early entry into the NFL draft, Bell - who caught 10 passes for 142 yards over Georgia's last three games - becomes the most likely player to earn the start at the Z WR position against Florida State.
Wide Receiver Slot
- #6 Dominic Lovett, 5' 10", 179, Jr.
- #11 Arian Smith, 6' 0", 185, R-Jr.
Lovett served as Georgia's primary slot WR throughout the 2023 season and is poised to do so again in the Orange Bowl. With the situation around McConkey still unclear and Mekhi Mews opting to enter the transfer portal, Arian Smith will likely be an option to play in the slot, as well.
Left Tackle
- #71 Earnest Greene III, 6' 4", 330, R-Fr
- #57 Monroe Freeling, 6' 7", 310, Fr.
After starting all 13 games for Georgia at left tackle entering bowl season, Greene will make his first bowl start in the Orange Bowl. With Austin Blaske opting to enter the transfer portal, freshman Monroe Freeling will likely serve as Greene's top backup.
Right Tackle
- #73 Xavier Truss, 6' 7", 320, R-Sr.
- #57 Monroe Freeling, 6' 7", 310, Fr.
While Amarius Mims has yet to make an official announcement regarding his Orange Bowl status, given that he is widely expected to be a first round draft pick in the 2024 NFL draft, it remains likely that the 6-foot-7, 340-pounder will opt-out of the Orange Bowl, which will lead to Xavier Truss making his seventh start of the season at left tackle.
Left Guard
- #53 Dylan Fairchild, 6'5, 300, R.- So.
- #56 Micah Morris, 6' 6", 330, R-So.
Injuries along the offensive line thrust Fairchild and Morris into more prominent roles in the Georgia offense with the duo forming a solid 1-2 punch at left guard. Fairchild, who has nine starts under his belt this season, will open the game at left guard, but Morris will see plenty of action, as well.
Right Guard
- #69 Tate Ratledge, 6' 6", 315, R-Jr.
- #56 Micah Morris, 6' 6", 330, R-So.
The possibility remains that Ratledge could declare for the NFL draft and opt-out of the Orange Bowl, but, at the moment, things seem to be trending towards him returning to Georgia for a final season in 2024. If that is, indeed, the case, the 2023 All-SEC First Team selection will make his 13th start of the season in the Orange Bowl.
Center
- #63 Sedrick Van Pran, 6' 4", 310, R-Jr.
- #55 Jared Wilson, 6' 3", 300, R-So.
With Van Pran already accepting an invite to the Reece's Senior Bowl, it is clear that he will enter the NFL draft prior to Jan. 15 deadline to do so. However, given the leadership role that he has taken on at Georgia and knowing how he is built, I expect Van Pran to suit up for Georgia one final time in the Orange Bowl.
Other Georgia News:
- Georgia Football Roster Movement Tracker - A Crazy Offseason Set to Ensue
- Georgia Opens as Multiple Score Favorite Over Florida State in Orange Bowl
- Georgia Ranks No. 6 in Final CFP Rankings
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