2019 Georgia Football: Can Demetris Robertson Return To Freshman Form
Demetris Robertson was the nation's #1 receiver in the 2016 class out of Savannah, Georgia. After an extremely competitive recruiting cycle, Robertson chose the Cal Bears over the likes of UGA and Alabama.
This was arguably the biggest signing to date in Cal recruiting, Robertson is the third highest ranked player they've ever had on the roster for the bears. The other two ranked higher? Keenan Allen and Desean Jackson. Maybe you've heard of them.
As a true freshman season in the Pac-12, Robertson had 50 grabs for 767 yards and 7 scores, earning freshman all-American status. He played so well, he was on the Biletnikoff award watchlist as a sophomore there at Cal, but he was hurt after just two games and once he received his medical redshirt, Demetris announced he'd be returning home to play for Georgia in 2018 and received immediate eligibility.
So, what did Robertson produce in his first season back in the state of Georgia for the Bulldogs? Well, his first touch against Austin Peay was electric, taking a jet sweep down the sideline for a 76-yard touchdown. But after that, it was mum's the word for Robertson. In fact, he failed to record a reception last season.
Part of the lack of production could be linked to a crowded receiving corps with the likes of Riley Ridley, Mecole Hardman, Terry Godwin, and even tight end Isaac Nauta, but it leaves room to wonder whether or not Robertson had issues learning the playbook.
Robertson experienced limited targets for the first time ever in his young career, and it definitely took a toll on the young man, and rightfully so.
It's not rocket science to understand that collegiate offenses vary. For example, the Cal offense that Demetris was apart of as a freshman relied heavily on spread tendencies. Four, sometimes five-wide sets with simple route concepts. Whereas UGA's offense has historically been more pro-style oriented which requires much more thought processes prior to the snap.
Even Kirby Smart alluded to the fact that Robertson had begun to play much faster during spring practice because he's had time to fully digest the playbook to the point to where he's not thinking as much on the field, which is crucial.
Robertson will be looking over his shoulder quite a bit this season as talented freshman George Pickens and Dominick Blaylock arrive on campus, and of course, there is transfer Lawrence Cager from Miami that will get a look at playing time as well.
There's no doubt that Demetris Robertson has all the tools in the world at the wideout position, we will just have to wait and see if he can put all of them together.
