What to Expect at SEC Media Day
SEC Media Day is a content creator's dream as it is a three-day event full of quotes and news from coaches all around the SEC. Not only is it the coaches that get to face the media, but there are also two players for each respective team that are picked by the head coach.
This year, Smart will be traveling to Hoover, Ala. (a suburb of Birmingham), with quarterback JT Daniels and nose tackle Jordan Davis. This will be the first time the trio will face the media since the conclusion of spring practice. Both Daniels and Davis are two of Georgia's most important players in 2021 and will likely face a broad array of questions from the media.
Lots of Questions about the Offense
It is undoubtedly expected to be the most talked-about topic when it is Georgia's turn to face the media. Expectations are high for Georgia in 2021 and a big reason is the talent returning offensively for the Dawgs.
The Dawgs return multiple key starters across the board offensively and, on paper, look to be a top-five offense in 2021. Seeing Daniels lead the team to an unbeaten four-game finish last season spurred the excitement. The offense averaged 486 yards and scored 37 points per game with Daniels as the starter.
The hype will be met by a defensive-minded Smart, who, much like he did a year ago in front of the media when talking about the defense, will likely try and temper expectations and preach "keeping the main thing, the main thing."
How Does Georgia Rebound without Pickens?
The injury to wide receiver George Pickens in March at the beginning of spring practice felt like a big blow to Georgia's hopes of returning to the College Football Playoffs. Despite his flaws, Pickens is one of the best receivers in college football and has a knack for making explosive plays.
His loss was one that many felt could derail Georgia's offensive success after the chemistry that was built between Daniels and Pickens. Now, with Georgia landing former LSU tight end Aril Gilbert, who has been converted wide receiver, many will wonder how Gilbert affects the outlook in the receivers room.
Additions Through the Transfer Portal
There is no doubt that Georgia was one of the top programs to have benefitted in 2021 due to the transfer portal. The Dawgs landed three top targets through the portal, which looks to have an immediate impact this season.
Arguably none was bigger than the addition of Gilbert, who many expect to take over at the X-receiver position vacated by the injury to Pickens. Gilbert was also joined by former All-ACC cornerback Derion Kendrick of Clemson and former All-American nickel back/safety Tykee Smith of West Virginia.
Those three additions all seem to have answered major questions on Georgia's roster, and we will see them discussed at media day.
Expectations for a Young Defense
Seemingly for the first time under Smart, the offense noticeably has an advantage in familiarity and returning experience. Unfortunately, the defense lost many key pieces from a year ago and will have to rely on younger, more inexperienced talent to pick up the slack.
While the transfers of Kendrick and Smith appear to have addressed major concerns in the secondary, the questions haven't been totally answered. With Smart having coached the position for years, he will likely discuss the situation at length.
What Started the Unfinished Business Motto?
Both of the players that Smart selected to be available to the media decided to opt into the #UnfinishedBusiness motto that took over UGA social media following the Peach Bowl.
Daniels impressed in his four games at quarterback and showed off a lot of the potential that many were hoping for when he started as a freshman at USC. At the same time, Davis continued to be an immovable force, anchoring the defensive line.
Many thought Davis would have been a top defensive lineman had he decided to enter the NFL Draft this year. However, the Charlotte, N.C., native decided to stick around in Athens for one more season, a decision that will draw questions.
Georgia's day in Hoover will likely be a long one filled with quotes from Smart and his players as the Dawgs finally begin to gear up for what seems to be a big 2021 season.
You May Also Like
De'Nylon Morrissette Turning into 'Lead Dawg'
Pre-Camp Position Battle: Cornerback
Join the community
Follow Brooks Austin on Twitter: @BrooksAustinSI
Follow Kyle Funderburk on Twitter: @DKFunderburk
Subscribe to our YouTube Page HERE
You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to like us on Facebook @BulldogMaven & follow us on Twitter at @BulldogsSI
