Georgia Spring Practice: Joenel Aguero has Some Big Shoes to Fill

Sophomore Joenel Aguero looks to have the early lead to replace Tykee Smith at a crucial position on Georgia's defense.

Sophomore Joenel Aguero looks to have the early lead to replace Tykee Smith at a crucial position on Georgia's defense.

Wednesday was Pro Day in Athens as multiple stars from last year's Georgia team put their skills on display in front of NFL Scouts. Meanwhile, the current Bulldogs are beginning spring practice, preparing to replace those headed to the NFL.

Among those players headed to the next level are safeties Tykee Smith and Javon Bullard. Two stalwarts on Georgia's defense, both spent time at a position that is crucial in the Bulldogs' defensive scheme: STAR.

Sep 23, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Joenel Aguero (8) tackles UAB Blazers receiver Amere Thomas (17) in the second half at Sanford Stadium / © Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Since his time under Nick Saban at Alabama, Kirby Smart has emphasized this position. Instead of having a SAM (strong-side) linebacker in on run downs, and then running a nickelback in for passing situations, Saban and Smart elected to develop a position that can do it all: play man-to-man against speedy wide receivers and big-time tight ends, be comfortable in zone coverage, stuff the run, and get after the quarterback. If uptempo offenses were going to make it impossible to substitute, they were going to find a guy who didn't need to be subbed.

It's not easy to find that player, which is why it's going to be so difficult to replace Smith and Bullard. Bullard won Defensive MVP in the 2022 National Championship win over TCU and in Georgia's thrilling CFP semifinals win over Ohio State. Smith was a freshman All-American. As things stand a couple of days into spring practice, it appears sophomore Joenel Aguero is getting a good look at the position. 

Listed at 5'11, 205 lbs, Aguero is built more similarly to Smith than the slighter Bullard. A five-star and the No. 2 safety in the 2023 class, Aguero certainly has the accolades to give Georgia fans hope that there won't be a falloff at the position, but only time will tell. Georgia certainly has plenty of talented defensive backs to push him and Kirby Smart has never been shy about giving someone the hook if they're struggling. 

One benefit Aguero has over the newer guys is snaps. He played in 12 games in 2023, mostly in the later quarters of blowouts, but he also contributed on special teams, blocking a punt in Jacksonville against Florida. Being aware of the speed at which the game is played in the SEC should give him an advantage over some of the other guys pushing for that spot. 

Other Georgia News:

• WATCH: Georgia Running Back Kendall Milton Talks NFL Combine Process
• Daijun Edwards Talks Journey at Georgia, Being Coached by Dell McGee
• Jermaine Burton Talks Georgia vs Alabama, Time as a Bulldog

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