Georgia football had an injury list in 2021 longer than Santa Claus’ naughty and nice list — at least it seemed like it.
However, this offseason will hopefully see most of those who suffered season-ending injuries get healthy or see guys who may have fallen down the depth chart last season to prove they’re back and better than ever.
This spring will be about the competition at every position because Georgia will have to make room to hit that 85 max scholarships number. With so many guys leaving for the NFL Draft, there will be plenty of competition to pay attention to as it’s going to be who wants it bad enough.
Georgia football will see these four guys shine in 2022 after overcoming the adversity they’ve faced.
More than four guys have to overcome their adversity and injuries in 2022 than the four we list, but these four are the ones that Georgia needs something out of because they can be difference makers.
Other guys who need to work hard and overcome their obstacles are Kendall Milton, who hurt his knee last season but played some. He was impressive when he was on the field, so 2022 will be his year of health and success.
Another name is Dominick Blaylock, who fought injuries all season long, and some forgot when it came to naming returners. These two guys will likely be starters for the Dawgs in 2022, and we named them as two that are overdue for a successful season.
Another name is Tate Ratledge, who hurt his ankle against Clemson, but he was a starter, so he didn’t make this list. These four names have fought through so much adversity to get to this 2022 season that it’s their time to have an entire season of success.
This season is when they can turn that around and prove why the Dawgs recruited them. We think these are four names will shine in 2022 and remind people they play for the defending national champs.
Georgia football speedster Arian Smith
Arian Smith is a big key to the success in 2022 for Georgia football. His speed is untouchable, and we all saw him make big plays in the few games he got to see action in last year.
Starting quarterback Stetson Bennett loved throwing it to him as it was very rarely that he dropped the ball. Plus, he could be a long ball threat, and if he caught it, no one could catch him.
Last year, he played in four games and recorded three catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns. His longest catch was a 61-yarder against UAB that scored the Dawgs another touchdown.
Smith also saw a 35-yard touchdown catch against Missouri as well. Two-thirds of his catches resulted in scores, so imagine what could happen with him if he actually got an entire season of playing time.
His time at Georgia has been riddled with injuries. Smith broke his leg during practice last year. Before that, it was a contusion on his leg, and last year he suffered an injury too.
According to PFF, the receiver has only taken 16 routes in two years but has 182 yards and three scores, so if he can stay healthy long enough, Smith will make a massive impact on the Dawgs’ offense.
Smith elevates the offense to the next level. We know how lethal he can be for the offense, but 2022 needs to be the year of staying healthy so everyone can see what Smith can do as a wide receiver.
Georgia football linebacker duo MJ Sherman and Trezmen Marshall
MJ Sherman and Trezmen Marshall were on everyone’s radar out of high school, but neither has done much since getting to Athens.
Sherman tore his ACL in high school, so he came to Georgia hurt, and Marshall just hasn’t made his move up the depth chart yet.
Both got playing time in 2021, but it was mostly as reserves than significant reps. Marshall appeared in four games, recording seven tackles. Sherman played in all 15 games recorded eight tackles, .5 tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries.
While it’s understandable that the players ahead of them are potential first-round NFL Draft picks, the expectations surrounding them were a little higher.
Sherman especially had high expectations coming to Georgia. He was a 4-star and the No. 2 outside linebacker in the country out of high school. There were high hopes surrounding him, and while knee injuries take time to heal, this upcoming season could finally be the moment we see him burst onto the scene.
It’s just time to see something from him because if not, there are guys in this 2021 and 2022 class that could pass him.
Marshall is another who came out of high school in the same class as Nakobe Dean and company.
Those guys are heading to the NFL Draft while Marshall barely gets playing time. He is someone who played in three games during the 2020 season, and then due to a knee injury, he only saw action in four games.
In his first year at Georgia, he played in all 14 games, so why did the playing time get significantly less? This past season could be due to the injury, but can he do enough this spring to hold off the youngsters to earn a starting job or significant role?
Maybe 2022 will be the year for him as it’s time for him to step up, or he could be someone that transfers out of the program. However, now that Dean and the other inside linebackers have moved on, he has a wide-open lane, so he should take advantage of it.
These linebackers need to step up this spring and take on a more prominent role. It’s past time with these two, but they can channel the adversity they’ve had to overcome and use it.
The physical talent is there, so now it’s time to see them take advantage of the opportunity.
Georgia football receiver Arik Gilbert
Arik Gilbert is another game-changer for Georgia football when he is healthy and can play. He went through some stuff last year, and now it’s time to see him get back on the field.
It’s none of our business what he went through in the last year since transferring to Georgia, and none of us should want to know because it’s his business, not ours.
Gilbert was back with the team for the national championship celebration, which is a good sign. There are rumors that he is also doing winter workouts with the team. Those are all good signs that Gilbert will be back with the team this spring.
His talent is something Georgia can use, which is why head coach Kirby Smart wanted him to transfer. Gilbert is a special player, and now that he has had time to work on himself, 2022 could finally be the moment we see him blossom.
It would be great to see him happy and playing football again, especially when no one knew if he would return after leaving last year. Gilbert is a Dawg and a part of the team through all of this.
Georgia football has a lot of guys who have some adversity to overcome this upcoming season. After the entire team fought through it last year, it’s safe to say these four know what it takes to push through and shine. Now that most of them are healthy, 2022 will be a great test to see how bright they shine.