Seven position battles to watch
Kirby Smart will tell you there’s not a single spot on his team where the position is not up for grabs.
Technically, that may be correct. Smart’s not in the business of guaranteeing anything, specifically when it comes to starting jobs. That’s not how it works.
Nevertheless, there are some positions Smart and his assistants are going to have to watch closer than others.
Below, we touch on those key battles.
Left tackle: Redshirt freshman Earnest Greene III is projected by most to win the left tackle job. However, junior Austin Blaske spent much of the spring rotating with Greene, and that competition figures to extend into fall camp.
X-Receiver: As much as most teams rotate at wide receiver, who starts and who doesn’t is really not that big of a deal. Nevertheless, someone has to play the first series at each position, and for the purposes of this story we'll focus on Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and RaRa Thomas. Coaches love Rosemy-Jacksaint and what he brings. But they feel the same about Thomas, who we’re told has had a great summer. Both will play and play a lot, but it still will be interesting to see who starts.
Mac Linebacker: We preface by saying we’re including this position in this article as it remains unclear if Smael Mondon will be completely recovered from his foot injury. If not, Xavian Sorey has some experience. But this is also a spot where redshirt freshman E.J. Lightsey, along with true freshmen Raylen Wilson and C.J. Allen, could figure in.
Defensive Tackle: This is the spot manned last year by Jalen Carter. We’ve got senior Warren Brinson pegged for the starting lineup for now, but there’s going to be a lot of players rolled in and out. That list includes Zion Logue and perhaps Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. Christen Miller and true freshman Jordan Hall would be two other players to keep an eye on.
Jack Linebacker Starter: This will be an interesting competition. Darris Smith battled injuries as a freshman, while fellow freshman Jalon Walker began his college career as an inside linebacker before being moved to the outside during the second half of the season. Expectations are obviously high for Walker, who was voted to the preseason All-SEC team.
Sam Linebacker Starter: Chaz Chambliss took over at the position after Nolan Smith went down with his pectoral injury and more than held his own. But he’ll have to be on his game. Sophomore Marvin Jones Jr. has recovered from his labrum surgery and could overtake Chambliss with a strong camp.
Right Cornerback: This spot appears truly wide open. Daylen Everette and Nyland Green (who started G-Day) are the two names most gravitate to. However, Julian Humphrey and perhaps even true freshman A.J. Harris could work their way into the competition.