Spring Needs: What Georgia Needs to Figure Out About it's Back-end
The Georgia Bulldogs' defense has been a revolving door of elite talent since the arrival of Kirby Smart in 2016. However, the term "revolving door" signifies that there is a frequent need to replace players. This is exactly what the team will need to do at the defensive back position for the 2023 season.
After a second straight national title victory, a handful of key contributors announced that they would be declaring for the NFL Draft. Among those departures were multiple-year starters Kelee Ringo (cornerback) and Christopher Smith (Safety). Smith and Ringo were each in the top-5 for pass breakups for the Dawgs in 2022 and accounted for five of Georgia's 12 total interceptions.
While replacing a veteran leader in Christopher Smith and an elite talent like Kelee Ringo will certainly not be an easy task and the experience that the two possess is irreplaceable. This is not the first time that Kirby Smart has had to fill a void of elite talent. In fact, he was forced to do nearly the same exact thing last season when he replaced first-round pick Lewis Cine and cornerback Derrion Kendrick with freshmen Malaki Starks and Kamari Lassiter after the 2021 national championship season.
Georgia's 2023 spring camp will serve as a great indicator for Kirby Smart and staff as to who is most equipped to fill the vacancies left by the departing Bulldogs. Luckily, there will be no shortage of talent to choose from on the Georgia roster.
Other Georgia News:
- How to Watch Bulldogs in This Year's NFL Combine
- Luke Bryan Gets Contestant to say "Go Dawgs" on American Idol
- Glenn Schumann Will Return to Georgia After Interview With Eagles
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