State of the defensive backs

With several key losses coupled with the way Georgia lost the national championship to Alabama, the secondary figures to be one of the closest watched position groups when the Bulldogs begin spring practice here in a couple of weeks.

However, there shouldn't be a shortage of talent.

Coaches have gone to great lengths to restock the position with a number of young players. The trick this spring is to find out who fits where.

As we continue our State of the Bulldogs series, it's time to focus on the defensive backs.

It was an overall good year for the secondary, although there were some hiccups along the way.

Deandre Baker had an outstanding year, and could have turned pro before electing to return for what could be a memorable campaign for the senior. Baker has developed into one of the best corners in the SEC.

Tulsa transfer J.R. Reed enjoyed a solid season playing both Star and Safety, while Dominick Sanders capped a strong season by tying Jake Scott and Bacarri Rambo for most interceptions (16) in the history of the school. Sanders also went on to become Georgia's all-time leader in interception return yards with 381.

Unfortunately, it's the final play of the year that fans will remember the most as it was the blown coverage with Malkom Parrish and Sanders that resulted in Alabama hitting the game-winning play.

Georgia's Rose Bowl victory over Oklahoma provided one of the biggest highlights for the Bulldogs.

Needing a big defensive play, Sanders delivered when he intercepted Baker Mayfield and returned the football 39 yards to set up a score. The pick also allowed Sanders to tie Scott and Rambo on Georgia's all-time list, but more importantly set up a quick score that the Bulldogs would need to ultimately get the game to overtime and defeat the Sooners for a trip to the National Championship.

That would be the final play in overtime in the National Championship against Alabama.

After the defense had sacked Tua Tagovailoa back at the 41-line line, the Bulldog secondary picked the wrong time to blow a coverage, but that's exactly what happened when Sanders failed to get over quick enough to help bail out Parrish who was beaten off the ball.

Tagovailoa threw three three touchdowns in the second half against the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs lose a trio of players who started most of the games last fall.

A four-year starer, Sanders started Georgia-record-tying 54 games over the course of his career after coming to Georgia as an unheralded defensive back prospect out of Tucker High.

Parrish didn't enjoy the season he had hoped. His coverage skills seemed to take a dip from what he showed his first three years.

Aaron Davis gave the Bulldogs tremendous versatility, starting games at corner, safety and starter over his career. He will be missed in the secondary and the locker room. Not bad for a former walk-on.

There's a lot to like here.

We'll start with Tyson Campbell, a five-star performer who picked the Bulldogs on National Signing day, choosing Georgia over Alabama and Miami.

At 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, Campbell hails from the same American Heritage High School that produced Sony Michel and Isaiah McKenzie.

Tabbed as the fourth-best cornerback according to Rivals, Campbell is an electric performer, amassing 133 tackles, six picks and seven pass breakups in three seasons as a starter.

The state of Florida 2A champion in the 100- and 200-meters, Campbell is seen as someone who could come in and compete for immediate playing time.

He won't be the only one.

Divaad Wilson is an early enrollee who made eight interceptions last year, while Christopher Smith (Hapeville Charter) and Nadab Joseph bring tremendous athleticism and will be given an early chance to complete.

Former Michigan commit turned Bulldog signee Otis Reese is one to watch at safety. The former Lee County star boasts some of the more bone-jarring hits you'll see on a highlight reel and should give the Bulldogs a physical presence at the position.

You're going to need a program to keep up with everyone who will be competing for jobs.

The only positions that appear safe are cornerback where Baker has the spot on lockdown for the upcoming campaign and right safety where Reed is back after doing such a fine job last fall.

Otherwise, Georgia will have to find a starter for the other corner spot, Sanders' spot at left safety and Star.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options for defensive coordinator Mel Tucker to choose from, including Tyrique McGhee, Richard LeCounte, Ameer Speed, Latavious Brini, Eric Stokes, Jarvis Wilson, Tray Bishop, Mark Webb and William Poole.

That's the group Tucker will have to work with before the new influx of freshman arrive in late May, several of whom - led by Campbell - will have a chance to make a quick impact on the position come fall.