Georgia Football: Position Battles coming to an end at UGA
RB Rotation looking clearer:
The Zamir White injury hit the Dawg fanbase like a sucker punch on Saturday. I’m fairly sure that the same can be said for the team itself. White comes across as a quiet but very likable player and there’s no doubt his teammates will be hurting for him right now.
But the ‘next man up’ mantra remains. Fortunately, the Dawgs have four other running backs that could all see time. White’s injury actually helps clear up what the rotation will look like in 2018. D’Andre Swift and Elijah Holyfield will likely be the two lead backs and James Cook and Brian Herrien will come in for 10-20 plays a game between them.
White’s injury was a blow, but it’s not the end of the world for him or the Dawgs. He will now have a whole year to recover from this injury and UGA has one of the best medical teams in college sports. He’ll be back for his sophomore and junior years and by that 3rd season, should be fully recovered. Because of their depth, if any team in the country can survive losing a top 10 talent at RB, it’s Georgia.
Starting OL looks set:
It’s probably safe to say that the Dawgs know who is going to start on the offensive line on September 1st. They have had the same five players hold down their positions pretty much since the spring. Andrew Thomas is adjusting to left tackle very nicely. Kendall Baker has been at left guard much like last season. Lamont Gaillard will be one of the best centers in the SEC. Ben Cleveland continues to get better at right guard and Isaiah Wilson looks to have won the right tackle spot.
That looks like it’s going to be the starting unit going into the season. Now it’s worth remembering how deep the Dawgs are behind their starters. Trey Hill and Jamaree Salyer are both going to really push for interior line spots. Cade Mays has also really impressed as a tackle since arriving. The Dawgs are going to continue to challenge their starters with young guys who will fight to take positions much like Cleveland did in 2017. But for now, the line looks set and it could well be one of the best in the nation.