After coming off a momentous first national title win in Georgia football school history, what better way than to come back and win another one.
Well, that is what head coach Kirby Smart’s squad will try to accomplish in 2022 as they attempt to become the first team to win back-to-back championships since Alabama accomplished that historic feat in 2011 and 2012.
This team most certainly has what it takes, but the question is can they put it all together to achieve that one goal on everyone’s mind.
With many holes to fill, Smart may look once again towards his freshmen to play a substantial role on this team. There was a hand full of first-year players last year that got Georgia to the promise land, so he knows that the youngsters can help as much as the veterans.
Georgia football could see help from these five freshmen to make 2022 great.
Losing those talented guys on the defense makes it impossible to think there will even be another one close to that level.
With these recruits coming in, I would like to believe it’s possible to see a similar group. This 2022 class is full of guys who love to fly around the field and make plays.
Smart and his coaching staff did an exceptional job finding these incoming freshmen, and they will award some the chance to take on the challenge to step up immediately and become a massive part of this team’s success.
Here are five true freshmen who could immediately impact the 2022 season.
Mykel Williams, defensive lineman
This first player on this list is evident as Mykel William has already shown he is worthy of playing time.
With the Dawgs losing three key starters on the defensive front, this is where the most help is needed, and it can undoubtedly get a boost with true freshman Mykel Williams in the waiting.
Williams, a former 5-star defensive lineman out of Columbus, Ga., is ready to make a substantial impact this year.
According to 247Sports, he was the No. 2 defensive linemen out of the 2022 class and was the No. 4 overall player. He is an exceptional talent that even the most beginner football fan can see has skill.
Throughout the Dawgs’ spring ball, Williams was a hot topic of discussion and even got some playing time during G-Day. He has what it takes to be a contributor right away if he continues to put in the work ethic it takes.
Williams could be the next great edge rusher for the Dawgs, and that shouldn’t surprise anyone. Georgia got a massive pick-up in getting this young man to stay away from USC and stay home in Athens.
Dawg fans, stay on the lookout for this guy because he will be tearing up opposing offenses for years to come.
2. Malaki Starks, athlete/ defensive back
Listed as an athlete on the official roster for Georgia, Malaki Starks will mainly see time serving as a defensive back for the Dawgs’ defense. As a two-way athlete in high school, Starks understands football at a different level, plus is extremely versatile, so the Dawgs picked up a good one in him.
At 6-1 and 205-pounds, this freshman out of Jefferson, Ga., is primed to make a huge stamp with this Georgia defense. His long lengthed arms help with his ability to get around the ball carrier and strip the ball. He is a quick-twitched athlete, allowing him to keep up with any opposing offensive player.
He was a huge help for the Black Team in winning this year’s spring game with a team-leading five tackles.
With the departure of Lewis Cine at the free safety spot, he could be looking to serve as a major help behind the senior Chris Smith. However, he could also be a great star asset as that versatility will serve him well.
Regardless of where the coaches use him, Starks will likely see a lot of time on the field in 2022 as Georgia’s secondary needs all hands on deck.
3. Daylen Everette, defensive back
Georgia football has a depleted secondary in terms of depth, so the Dawgs will look to more of the younger players to help out at that position. The third person on our list is Daylen Everette, a cornerback who could break into the starting lineup before the end of the season.
Everette is a 5-star out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and is certainly a guy who can match up with anybody on the outside. The combo of his size and speed is truly a threat to anyone on the opposing side of the ball.
He does a great job of being physical with the receivers he matches up against in games. Everette is also not one to disappear when a run threat presents itself during a play. He is a guy who flies around the field trying to make something happen while not being overly aggressive.
Everette is another talented freshman who has the capability with his skill set to make a significant impact if given the opportunity. He may take that opportunity away from an older player because Everette is just a naturally gifted defensive back.
Georgia has a group of freshmen secondary players that all could break into the rotation in 2022. Still, Everette is hands down the one guy who will be similar to Kelee Ringo and find himself in a starting role.
4. Earnest Greene, offensive lineman
With most of the offensive line staying together from last year’s team, depth is the most crucial part of this position group, and incoming freshman Earnest Greene could play a significant role in that department.
Head coach Kirby Smart is known to have his offensive line coaches often prepare multiple rotations of his offensive line until he finds the right group that meshes together. Even when they find the right rotation, it’s good to have multiple rotations so if injuries happen — they have options. It also allows the players to take a breath without the offense missing a step.
That might give way for the 6-4, 330-pound true freshman Greene to earn a spot on this offensive line.
Greene, who will most likely play tackle for the Dawgs, is one of the more athletic linemen on this roster. However, he can play in the interior as well. He is athletic enough to make blocks at the second level on a linebacker or safety. This guy can be just as equally good in pass blocking as well.
Most likely will serve as a backup at the beginning of the season, but do not be surprised if he jumps his way up to a starting role by mid to late season.
5. Bear Alexander DL
There are significant holes to fill on the defense, and a lot stems from the defensive line. The Dawgs are returning only one starter on the defensive front.
The last player on this list is true freshman Bear Alexander who comes to Georgia with a large frame of 6-3 and 315-pounds. He is one of those guys who could play a crucial depth role for the Dawgs at the defensive line position.
For his size, he shows the ability to get off the ball quickly and has excellent play pursuit. That ability is why Georgia recruited him to Athens, and even though it took him committing twice, he made the right decision.
There are more experienced veteran guys ahead of him, but that does not mean he can’t play a significant role in the 2022 season. While he missed the spring due to rehabbing an injury, that doesn’t mean Alexander cannot hit the ground running during fall camp.
Head coach Kirby Smart will do his best to try to replicate that winning formula from last year, and he is going to need a plethora of guys, mainly on the defensive side of the ball, to step up, even if that does mean they are true freshman.