Georgia Football has to move forward without Natrez Patrick

The rise of Monty Rice

While Juwan Taylor may have earned the start last week, I expect to see more of Rice going forward. Taylor is a solid player and he’s a Junior. He has the experience needed to step in and help, but he doesn’t quite have the same ‘pop’ as Rice. It’s interesting how a player who was only a 3-star player can be so high up the depth chart right now. Rice is currently sitting about Jaden Hunter and Nate McBride, both of whom were more highly rated coming in.

Of course, Rice was an early enrollee so has had more time to learn the defense. He’s also a very ‘cerebral’ player. A lot of his game is based on him understanding the ILB position. That is something that the others are both learning. Rice is someone who could end up being a starter on this defense next year. That’s especially true if both Smith and Patrick go to the NFL.

Rice is someone who could end up being a starter on this defense next year. That’s especially true if both Smith and Patrick go to the NFL. This is a great opportunity for him t show exactly what he is made of. He has shown flashes of really physical play so far. That is something we will need to see more of going forward with Patrick out.

Next: What recruit could commit to UGA next?

While I hope we don’t rely on Rice too much, there is no denying that he is needed right now. Stepping in and rising to the challenge is exactly what Smith and Patrick both did in their Freshmen years. It’s times like this where future stars shine. Rice has a chance to show the whole SEC that he’s going to be a force for the next few years.