Georgia Bulldogs Football: 5 positions to watch closely before season opener

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Guard

Guard play was a sore spot and source of pain for not only fans, but for Aaron Murray and the Georgia running backs as well in 2013. The two most experienced guards — Mark Beard and Watts Dantzler — are going to need help, and fortunately they have it coming this season.

Neither Beard nor Dantzler would probably be starting on most other top Division 1 teams, but injuries and lack of position depth forced the hand of the Georgia coaching staff. Both are solid players, but neither are truly standout performers.

The earlier mentioned Kendall Baker should be able to come in and really shake things up at guard. At 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, Baker has already got some size on his frame, and his strength is one of his top assets. He can play guard or tackle, but given the situation at the guard position, the coaches will want to give him a good look early there.

The big boost to the guard spot however, will be freshman Isaiah Wynn. Lacking some of the size that Baker has, Wenn makes up for it in his lateral quickness and excellent footwork. He’s a natural guard and an exceptional run-blocker, who knows how to use not only strength, but leverage and a defender’s momentum against them.

Bottom line: It’s entirely possible that both guard spots will end up having freshman as starters by the time the season is done.