Losing AD Mitchell to the NCAA transfer portal may not have been the news Georgia fans were hoping for Wednesday.
Fortunately, those same fans can take solace that the Bulldog receiving room still has plenty of depth. Even with Mitchell, Kearis Jackson, and Dominick Blaylock no longer in the picture, it may still be even deeper than last year.
“I can’t name them all, but everybody has had to share the growth when it’s come to that because the different level that everybody has had to play has had to grow in different areas,” wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon told UGASports recently. “It’s been good in the grand scheme of things. I’m not going to say it’s always been easy, but it’s been good.”
Let’s examine what McClendon is expected to have to work with when spring practice gets underway in March:
Tuesday, leading wide receiver Ladd McConkey made it official that he’ll be back for another season after catching 58 passes for 762 yards and seven touchdowns.
Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint (29-337-2), Arian Smith (7-198-1), Dillon Bell (20-180-2), De’Nylon Morrissette (4-34), Jackson Meeks (6-65) and Cole Speer (1-12) are other scholarship receivers set to return. Incoming freshmen Tyler Williams, Yazeed Haynes, and Anthony Evans III will also have the opportunity to make a quick impact.
The Bulldogs also have C.J. Smith who redshirted last year and is one of the fastest players on the team.
A pair of rising junior transfers - RaRa Thomas from Mississippi State and Dominic Lovett from Missouri – will also play huge roles.
McClendon said he expects both to fit in without any problems at all.
“When you bring in the portal guys, you bring in prove guys who have done it on the college level. But one of the first conversations that you’ve got to have with them is, 'Hey man, I want you to understand what you’re stepping into here culture-wise,'” McClendon said. “'Our culture is going to be something a little different. I’m not knocking any place that you’ve been but our culture here is about the greater good. So, if you come in here looking for something in particular then you need to make sure that’s one thing you’re looking for.' Those guys like that and embrace that.”
Both Thomas and Lovett will bring plenty of SEC experience.
Last year, Thomas caught 44 passes for 626 yards and seven touchdowns, while Lovett caught 56 passes for 846 yards and three scores.
McClendon said both are anxious to get to work and have already ingratiated themselves into the way of life at the Bulldogs’ football facility.
“In today’s age of college football, you’ve got to be honest with people,” McClendon said. “You’ve got to show them that, or I don’t think they’ll be there very long. But the thing is, when you bring them here, Georgia does a good job of selling itself.”
