ATHENS - Georgia’s first practice at Sanford Stadium on Sunday offered an early look at a roster that is already making life difficult on itself in all the right ways.
Kirby Smart let the Bulldogs work, and work hard. There was no film study or “All 22” angle from the end zone, but even from the field, a few names and position groups stood out in a session where Georgia’s defense kept the offense under constant pressure.
That edge showed up everywhere. Receivers had a tough time separating, Gunner Stockton had to operate with almost no room for error, and the level of competition looked exactly like the kind of environment Georgia wants in practice.
Here are the players who drew the most attention:
London Humphreys continues to look like one of the steadier pieces on offense. He made the plays he was supposed to make, stayed on the field often and gave off the feel of a player the staff trusts.
Wearing No. 16, Kirby Smart’s old playing number, only adds to that sense of importance.
Tight end Jaden Redell also made his presence felt. The third-year player has flashed before, but Sunday felt more sustained. Smart praised his spring and offseason work, then singled him out again after Redell hauled in a contested touchdown from backup quarterback Ryan Montgomery during 11-on-11 drills.
Montgomery had a strong day of his own. He’s no longer wearing the bulky knee brace, and his ability to move and extend plays was noticeable during team work. Stockton remains the clear starter, but the competition for the backup role looks real after Montgomery’s showing.
Freshman Kaiden Prothro also flashed as a pass catcher. He showed a feel for finding space in coverage and used his size well to shield defenders at the catch point. There’s still plenty for him to learn, but the receiving part of the package looks like it’s already there.
On defense, Ellis Robinson IV looked like a corner with growing confidence. Smart has talked about that progression, and it showed in sticky coverage and a multiple-interception kind of day. Smart also pointed him out in run support and wanted better angles there, but there’s no mistaking the talent Georgia has on its hands at corner.
The offensive line had its moments too. It’s tough to single out one blocker without tape, but the group clearly has power and was able to generate push. In pass protection, the first unit held up well, with the defense getting little movement up the middle and very few pressures on the quarterbacks.
Safety KJ Bolden once again looked like a player who sees the play before it happens. Lawson Luckie said last week that Bolden is often a step ahead, and that was true again Sunday. His speed and anticipation stood out, and he has the look of a future first-round NFL Draft pick.
Linebacker Chris Cole showed the kind of versatility that makes him such an intriguing piece. He can cover, stop the run or come as a blitzer, and he did all of that in some form during the workout.
Cole had an athletic interception and also came off the edge to get to the quarterback. He looks ready to be a problem.
Running back Jae Lamar remains a work in progress in a crowded room. The position doesn’t have a true standout yet, and Lamar may not get a lot of chances until he becomes more assignment sound and physically ready than some of the others. Even so, as a pure runner, he has enough upside to matter down the line.
And then there was kicker Peyton Woodring, who did exactly what Georgia expects from him: quietly handled his business. Smart hinted that there will be more “four-quarter games” in the SEC, and Woodring’s reliability could matter in more than one of them.
At the end of a grueling two-hour practice, Smart put him on the spot to make three straight kicks, with the last one coming from 50 yards. Woodring knocked them all through.
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The intrigue does not stop at the top of the depth chart, either. ESPN recently flagged freshmen Zykie Helton and Kaiden Prothro as players who could make an immediate SEC impact, which only adds to the sense that Georgia may have useful pieces arriving faster than usual. Jaden Reddell and freshman Tyriq Green are also among the names worth watching as the Bulldogs sort out roles and contributions for the season ahead, another reminder that the roster conversation in Athens is just as interesting as the schedule itself. [Read more 🡒]