Defensive Players to Watch For Against UT Martin on Saturday
The quest toward the Georgia Bulldogs' third straight national title starts this Saturday against the UT Martin Skyhawks. Many would consider this matchup a "cupcake" or a tune-up game for the Bulldogs and Kirby Smart. A few defensive players will receive their first tests of the season, so you should watch how they do on Saturday against UT Martin.
Julian Humphrey
Kelee Ringo left his side of the field open with his departure to the NFL, and with Kamari Lassiter already solidified on one side, Julian Humphrey has stepped up in Ringo's absence. UT Martin had a 1,000-yard receiver in Colton Dowell, who is now a part of the Tennessee Titans organization. Humphrey has shown great strides this fall camp and will be fun to watch this Saturday when he lines up against the potent UT Martin offense.
Xavian Sorey
Xavian Sorey will be in for most of the game against the Skyhawks. Signs seem to point in that direction, at least with Mondon still recovering from his foot injury. UT Martin had a powerful run game with Zak Wallace in 2022, who ran for 1,026 yards, but he transferred to Arkansas State. Knowing how successful their run game was in 2022, the Skyhawks' offensive coordinator will likely want to set the standard for their 2023 offense through the run game.
Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) has his pass broken up by Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Malaki Starks (24) and defensive back Javon Bullard (22) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville.The Georgia Bulldogs held off the Florida Gators 42-20. Corey Pom Oct2022 14
Javon Bullard
Javon Bullard is returning to the safety position he was originally in when he entered the Georiga program. The defensive MVP of the Peach Bowl and National Title game in 2022 will be paired alongside Malaki Starks, arguably the best safety in college football. The back four of Georgia's defense seems to be the best DB group Smart has put on the field since he took over at Georgia. But there will be some miscues early in the season; with a new starting CB and Bullard moving back to safety, it is bound to happen. Bullard will be fun to watch but needs to limit his mistakes against a high-flying offense.
Their offense for the first time may lead Georgia's football team in the past three years. This game will truly be a "tune-up" game for Georgia's defense to ensure their assignment, alignment, and attitude are in check before they start SEC play.
