Spring Position Review: Nickel/STAR

Besides cornerback, the only other position of concern on Georgia Football's defense was the nickel/STAR position. Not only did the Bulldogs lose a starter to the NFL Draft, but the backup who played starter's minutes entered the transfer portal.

Unlike at cornerback, Georgia already addressed its lack of experience at nickel/STAR by signing 2020 All-American Tykee Smith from the transfer portal. Smith's arrival doesn't only give the Bulldogs a superstar at the position, but it also provides the team time to develop younger players before throwing them into the fire.

Depth Chart

S1: Tykee Smith, junior (transfer)
S2: Latavious Brini, senior
S3: Javon Bullard, freshman
S4: David Daniel, freshman

While Smith didn't participate in spring camp, he's clearly the front-runner for the starting job. He earned All-America honors at West Virginia last season in a defensive backfield that was stellar against the pass. Smith also follows defensive backs coach Jahmile Addae, so he's staying with the coach who developed him into an All-America player.

Brini was set to take over the starting job after an impressive performance in the Peach Bowl. Instead, he'll add valuable depth to the position. Brini excels around the line of scrimmage and Georgia could use him in short-yardage situations.

We've heard many good things about Daniel and Bullard, and both played pretty well in the G-Day game. But Georgia is better off giving them a year to develop at a very difficult position. Nickel/STAR is a hybrid position, so a lot is asked from those players.

Spring Position Review: Nickel/STAR

Depth Chart

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