Logan Cook

Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs opened up the practice facility to the media for fifteen minutes of practice on Friday. Reporters were able to get a look at the team in the indoor practice facilities which included the first look at Georgia’s early enrollees from the 2025 recruiting class as players went through positional drills. Quarterbacks, running backs, and tight ends worked through handoffs and play action drills while the offensive line did sled drills outside with punters and kickers in the background.

Coach Smart was as loud and intense over the microphone. “We look like a slow motion snail,” he screamed at the offense during hurry-up drills. Chauncey Bowens caught the wrath of the omnipresent Smart. “Chauncey, wake up!” 

This was Georgia’s last practice on campus before arriving in New Orleans on Sunday ahead of their Wednesday night kickoff against Notre Dame. Georgia will have another 15 minute viewing period on Monday for reporters, the last time we will get a look at the team before Wednesday. 

Below is a synopsis by position – 

• Quarterback: Gunner Stockton took first team snaps as the quarterbacks, running backs, and tight ends warmed up. Ryan Puglisi and Jaden Rashada shared snaps at 2nd string with Puglisi taking the majority of them. After the SEC Championship, Kirby was ready to put in Puglisi in the last snap of the game, making him the likely backup if Gunner goes down. Two early enrollees were present: Ryan Montgomery (4*, Findlay Prep, OH), who is recovering from an ACL injury and Hezekiah Millender (3*, Clarke Central, GA).

• Running Backs: Trevor Etienne, Nate Frazier, and Cash Jones all shared reps at running back, but missing from the rotation were Branson Robinson (knee) and Roderick Robinson (ankle). Both have battled injuries this season but were available for the SEC Championship. Chauncey Bowens, Dwight Phillips Jr., and early enrollee Bo Walker (4*, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, GA) all took reps as well. 

• Wide receiver – A few recievers impressed in the short viewing window. During scramble drills against scout team defense, early enrollee Landon Roldan (4*, North Oconee, GA) caught a short pass from Rashada. On the very last play of the media viewing period, Stockton scrambled to the right and found Colbie Young on a deep touchdown catch. While able to practice, Young is still not expected to play this season following his legal issues. Also present were early enrollees Tayln Taylor (5*, Geneva Comunity, IL) and CJ Wiley (4*, Milton, GA). Wiley looked imposing at 6’4, a physical presence that Georgia has been missing in the receiver room.

• Tight End – Oscar Delp, Lawson Luckie, and Ben Yurosek all shared first team reps, which won’t surprise anyone. All three will see relatively equal action on Wednesday night. Yurosek has been the biggest surprise to me. After early struggles, he has solidified himself as a dependable blocker and possession receiver for the Dawgs. Elyiss Williams (5*, Camden County, GA) was not hard to miss at 6’7, and Ethan Barbour (4*, Milton, GA) looked imposing as well. 

• Offensive Line – The offensive line were the only players outside in the cold for the beginning of practice. The first group that went was Freeling, Fairchild, Wilson, Ratledge, and Truss. Micah Morris, Earnest Greene Jr. and Drew Bobo took reps with the second string. I believe I saw all of 6’7 345 of Juan Gaston (4*, Westlake, GA) in the background as well. 

• Defense – Probably the most notable thing I saw on defense was tackling drills. While it may seem elementary and obvious, Georgia has struggled with tackling the season, so it is good to see us working on the fundamentals. While I wasn’t able to see most of the defensive drills, many 5 star early enrollees were, I believe, present. Cornerstone prospects Elijah Griffin (5*, Savannah Christian, GA), Isaiah Gibson (5*, Warner Robbins, GA) and Zayden Walker (5*, Schley County, GA) all practiced in scout team jerseys. 

The Georgia team will arrive in New Orleans on Sunday ahead of their Wednesday night kickoff against Notre Dame. Georgia will have another 15 minute viewing period on Monday for reporters, the last time we will get a look at the team before Wednesday.