Georgia football: 3 players that will have a big spring

Georgia football begins spring practice today, and after a long few months, fans can enjoy our favorite sport for the next month. Head coach Kirby Smart addressed the media earlier today, and all felt right again.

The Dawgs have high expectations this spring as they are looking to replace many of their playmakers. Everyone competing this spring has to know that if they give it their all, the staff will find a way to get them on the field.

However, a handful of players could prove themselves this spring because they know this is the time to do it. Every position, including the quarterback backup one, will have a competition this spring.

Georgia football will see these three offensive players have a big spring.

The freshmen and sophomores aren’t the only ones who need to step up this spring, but even the veterans. No position is safe — for now.

With 15 players declaring for the NFL Draft and a handful more transferring out, the Dawgs need to see who badly wants the playing time.

The year after a national championship is huge for a squad because they want to keep those expectations high. However, as we saw with LSU, sometimes those great teams fall off, but Georgia’s recruiting depth is far better than what the Bayou Bengals had.

Plus, the team-building portion begins in the spring. So the next month of practice and then the G-Day game will be huge to see what kind of group this 2022 team will be.

As we begin spring practice today, here are three offensive players we think have a big spring and put their names on everyone’s radar.

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.

Georgia football quarterback Brock Vandagriff

Last spring, Georgia football fans saw bursts of greatness from quarterback Brock Vandagriff in the annual G-Day game, and then he was quiet behind starter Stetson Bennett and JT Daniels. There were a few names in front of him, but this spring will be different because it’s the one where he shows that he can challenge Bennett.

Vandagriff has all the eyes on him this spring because it’s time for him to take that next step. While Bennett will probably be the starter and Carson Beck is still in the mix, he could beat out Beck to show he is ready to take over when Bennett leaves.

Vandagriff showed off his quick-release video on social media while working with Jon Richt on his quarterback skills.

Since getting to Athens last year, he has grown, and with an entire season under his belt, Vandagriff knows what to expect. Plus, at 6-3 and 203-pounds, he will show how a year under the proper nutrition program benefits him.

He could give Bennett a run for his money and earn some playing time to prove he is the future for Georgia at the quarterback position. Vandagriff needs to compete for the backup role and keep Bennett working hard because the youngster may end up being the better choice in the long run.

Who knows what could happen, so Vandagriff needs to be ready at a moment’s notice, plus it would be great to see him put on another show at G-Day. He has our attention, though, and we all need to watch him this spring.

Georgia football running back Kendall Milton

This spring will be the perfect opportunity for Kendall Milton to emerge as the top Dawg in the running back room. Even with Kenny McIntosh with him, Milton needs to become the premier back because he is good enough to hold that spot.

The most important thing is for him to get healthy and stay that way because when he is 100% — Milton is a serious weapon.

Milton has so much potential that it’s just waiting to burst. Last season, Milton played eight games, recording 56 carries for 264 yards and one touchdown. He averaged 4.7 yards a carry, and that was with him being hurt.

With Zamir White and James Cook gone, Milton has the perfect opportunity to take over as the primary running back. Sure he and McIntosh will share reps, but Milton could end up being the running back Georgia depends on the most with a big spring.

He has speed and vision, and now it’s all about showing he can handle the load with his knee. We think he does just that and has a break-out season where fans finally see what he can do toting the rock.

Georgia has more guys who could surprise this spring, but these are three of the offensive guys we think will take advantage of the opportunities given to them this spring and run with it.