What Sedrick Van Pran's Return Means for Georgia's Leadership

Sedrick Van Pran's position doesn't necessarily allow for him to make an impact on the personal stat sheet. But teammates and coaches certainly feel the leader's presence.

In late January of 2023, Georgia center Sedrick Van Pran announced that he would be forgoing the NFL Draft and returning to the Georgia Bulldogs for his fourth season. Having already lost two linemen to the draft, the news of Van Pran's return was a massive plus for the Bulldogs that were gearing up for a run for a third straight national title.

Van Pran, a former 4-star recruit is one of the only Bulldogs to have started in all 30 game's during both of Georgia's national championship seasons and played in every single offensive snap for Georgia's victory in the 2022 national championship over Alabama.

Sedrick Van Pran during Georgia's 33-18 defeat over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2022 national championship game (Photo by Tony Walsh)

Prior to his return, Van Pran was considered the third-ranked center and was projected to be a late second, early third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. When asked what led to his decision to forgo the NFL and return to Georgia for another season. His response was blunt yet, extremely admirable. 

“Love for the G”

The statement reflects the passion and rare selflessness that is required to play the center position at such a high level. A skill set that is very much noticed by his teammates

“Having someone like him leading the offensive line, it makes everything go more smoothly and allows players to play more comfortably.”

-Kendall Milton (senior running back for UGA)

While Van Pran's leadership and work ethic has gradually increased over his lengthy tenure with the Bulldogs, head coach Kirby Smart stated that those skills had been instilled in Van Pran long before his arrival in Athens.

"He came in with a leadership mentality and he's only grown in that. So, I think we have made him a better person and a better man and he's grown up a lot. But he came in with a lot of those qualities and that's a credit to his family, his background, and the people that raised him in New Orleans." 

-Kirby Smart in an interview with 680thefan

Sedrick Van Pran during Georgia's spring practice inside Sanford Stadium (Tony Walsh/UGAAA)

As one of the eldest members of Georgia's offense, the Bulldogs will likely turn to Van Pran's leadership as the team transitions to a new quarterback and offensive coordinator. However, according to Smart, Van Pran is more than ready for that challenge. 

"I've not been around someone that is so comfortable being uncomfortable. Because he really is not afraid to demand excellence, to hold people accountable. All of the things that we want in our organization, he embodies that. And to have him come back is like a blessing in disguise in terms of leadership."

-Kirby Smart

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