Previewing SEC Media Days for the Georgia Bulldogs
This Monday marks the beginning of SEC Media Days for the 2023 college football season and Georgia Bulldog fans have a handful of things to look forward to as their team prepares to make a run at a third straight national title. With Kirby Smart and a handful of other Georgia players set to appear in Nashville, here is a list of things you should know before then.
Who is Going:
Along with head coach Kirby Smart, the Georgia Bulldogs will be represented by three players. Cornerback Kamari Lassiter, who was an anchor for the Bulldogs' defense during the 2022 season and is expected to step into a leadership role with the departure of Kelee Ringo to the NFL. Tight end Brock Bowers, who has led the Bulldogs' offense in receiving yards for the previous two seasons and took home the Mackey Award in 2022. And Center Sedrick Van Pran, who decided to forgo entering the NFL draft to return to the Bulldogs for his senior season. The center also made an appearance for the Bulldogs at last year's media days as well.
Georgia OL Sedrick Van Pran speaks at the 2022 SEC media days. (Jimmie Mitchell/SEC)
Who is NOT Going:
One notable absence from the list of Bulldogs attending is quarterback Carson Beck. While many anticipate Beck to be Georgia's starting quarterback come the fall, he has yet to be officially named the starter by Kirby Smart. Meaning he and Brock Vandagriff may still be battling for the starting role.
Carson Beck during a practice at the University of Georgia
Topics that Will Likely Be Discussed:
A lot has happened in Athens since the Bulldogs last dominated TCU during the national championship back in January, some excellent, some tragic. Here is a list of topics that will likely be discussed during SEC Media Days:
- The Bulldogs' upcoming 2023 schedule
- Updates on the quarterback battle between Carson Beck and Brock Vandagriff
- Thoughts on the addition of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC next season
- Thoughts on the expanded playoff beginning in the 2024 season
- The tragedy of January 15 and the events that have followed
- Kirby Smart's "Slogan" for the season
- Thoughts on Mike Bobo and his transition to offensive coordinator
- Dylan Raiola's Commitment
- Georgia's incredible recruiting class for the 2024 season
Other Notable Appearances Around the Conference:
While Smart and company will likely draw the majority of attention from Bulldog fans, there are still a handful of coaches and players that Dawgnation should pay attention to. Here is a list of some other SEC members to watch out for and why:
- Lane Kiffin
- Kiffin and Smart will face each other as head coaches for the first time in their careers this season when Ole Miss travels to Athens to take on the Bulldogs. Kiffin will likely have something interesting to say about the Dawgs, given he and Kirby Smart once coached for the same Alabama team under Nick Saban.
- Nick Saban
- Although Saban is currently the GOAT of college coaches, Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs have been at the forefront of the college football world as of late. Look for Saban to answer questions regarding Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs
- Joe Milton
- Quarterback Joe Milton is expected to take the reins of the Volunteers high powered offense for the 2023 season and some people have already nabbed him as a potential Heisman finalist. Given that he will face the Bulldogs' defense in late November, Milton's thoughts on the matchup will be interesting to hear.
Media Days will kick off on Monday, July 17. with Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs making their appearance on Tuesday the 18th. Coverage for the event can be found on various radio and TV sporting networks.
