Georgia football: 3 players that will have a big spring

ATHENS, GA - APRIL 17: Head coach Kirby Smart speaks with running back James Cook #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half of the G-Day spring game at Sanford Stadium on April 17, 2021 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - APRIL 17: Head coach Kirby Smart speaks with running back James Cook #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half of the G-Day spring game at Sanford Stadium on April 17, 2021 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Georgia football
Arik Gilbert warms up before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 21, 2020. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Georgia football receiver Arik Gilbert

Arik Gilbert is the first Georgia football player we expect to have a big spring. After transferring to Georgia from LSU, he missed last season for undisclosed reasons. While no one knew if he would return to the team or not, the receiver has worked out with the team this winter.

He came out of high school as one of the most sought-after players, and he had moments of greatness during his first season at LSU. Gilbert earned a spot on the Freshman All-SEC team and caught 35 passes for 368 yards and two scores.

Of those 35 catches, 24 were for a first down or touchdown. Then of those 24 catches, 11 were on third or fourth down. Gilbert knows how to make big plays and get the yardage needed on crucial downs.

Now it’s time for Gilbert to have some fun playing football and let his natural athletic ability remind him how much he enjoys this game. We think he will have a big spring because people know it when he is on the field.

At 6-5 and 248-pounds, Gilbert is massive, giving starting quarterback Stetson Bennett another big target to throw at and make big plays. He has the opportunity to take on a significant role in the receiver room with George Pickens and Jermaine Burton gone.

Plus, with Brock Bowers out this spring, he is one of a few guys who could prove they would make complementary players to the tight end.

Gilbert is someone to keep an eye on this spring because it’s now time to show what he can do in the Red and Black.