Georgia football coach Kirby Smart’s approach to this extended period of time off was very clear after the SEC championship win.
“You know, we commit 75, 80% to ourselves and growth and development and trying to get our team ready and backups ready,” Smart on what Georgia will be doing until the Sugar Bowl.
With school over and all attention on football, postseason practices function like a mini fall camp for Georgia players. It provides a chance to spend extensive time with teammates and coaches while focusing solely on development. This period presents a key opportunity for players across Georgia’s roster to grow and improve.
What three Georgia Bulldogs have the most to gain from bowl practices?
Running Back Trevor Etienne
Trevor Etienne has been dealing with injuries all season, but when he is 100% or close to it, then he is the focal point of the UGA offense. In the SEC championship game, Etienne’s status was uncertain due to a rib injury, but he decided to give it a go. He gained 122 total yards and two touchdowns to help secure the SEC title over Texas.
Now with three weeks of rest, we can finally see Etienne return to the most healthy version of himself. Etienne’s workload will be even larger with Gunner Stockton at quarterback. Etienne is playing for a lot this postseason with a chance to win a national championship and boost his NFL draft status.
Defensive Back Daniel Harris
Harris officially took over the spot after starting against UMass, a move that came after Humphrey was pulled during the opening drive against Tennessee due to a costly pass interference penalty. Humphrey did not see the field against Georgia Tech and has committed to transferring. The upcoming preparation for the College Football Playoff will provide Daniel Harris valuable time to further develop and solidify his understanding of the role.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton
We saw a glimpse of what the Georgia offense is capable of with Stockton at quarterback in the SEC championship game. The redshirt sophomore, who guided Georgia on its first touchdown drive of the game, and finished 12-for-16 for 71 yards and one interception. UGA will use Stockton’s mobility as much as it can.
Three weeks will help prepare Stockton for his first career Georgia start. Georgia will have to play complementary football and can’t rely on miracle comebacks like it did at times under Carson Beck.
