The Georgia Bulldogs kick off their spring practice on Tuesday, and head coach Kirby Smart revealed some promising news that should excite UGA fans.
Last season, the team struggled offensively, finishing 38th in scoring and 51st in total offense, a notable drop from their top-five rankings in both categories the previous year.
One significant issue was the wide receiver group, which led the FBS in dropped passes. Additionally, the Bulldogs missed talented wide receiver Colbie Young for most of the season due to suspension.
Young, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 215 pounds, started his college career at Lackawanna College before transferring to Miami in 2022. He spent two seasons with the Hurricanes before joining Georgia ahead of his senior year.
The four-star transfer made an impact early last season, scoring a touchdown in each of the first two games. However, an arrest before the sixth game sidelined him for the rest of the year.
On Tuesday, Smart announced that Young has been cleared to participate in spring practice. After pleading no contest to a disorderly conduct charge, he has also been granted an additional year of eligibility following the Diego Pavia ruling.
“Colbie’s with us,” Smart stated during a press conference. “Colbie’s going to be practicing with us. He’s cleared, so he’s practicing. He’s been working out with us.”
The Binghamton, New York native has accumulated 90 receptions for 1,079 yards and 12 touchdowns over 27 games.
With significant changes on offense, Young will be a familiar face. Redshirt junior Gunner Stockton is set to step in as quarterback following Carson Beck’s transfer to Miami. The Bulldogs also lost four starting offensive linemen, their starting running back Trevor Etienne, and two starting receivers.
Despite these challenges, Smart and his staff have navigated similar situations in the past, and the Bulldogs have secured nine consecutive top-five recruiting classes. The talent is there for them to contend for back-to-back SEC championships and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Georgia’s spring game is scheduled for April 12, with the 2025 season opener at home against Marshall on August 30.
Leave a Reply