What We Have Learned From Georgia's Fall Camp As We Head Into Week Two

The reigning back-to-back national champs have been hard at work for the past two weeks as the Georgia Bulldogs started their 2023 fall camp. As we head into week two, there are some things that we have learned so far. With a new offensive coordinator in Mike Bobo, the Dawgs have a few pieces to replace on that side of the ball and a few new additions wanting to make their case for their spot on the team.

Many know Carson Beck, who entered the Georgia program in 2020, would likely be the starter for week one. So far, that seems to be the case, as Beck has received the majority of the first team reps up to this point. What remains in question is what Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton's roles will be this season. At this point, Stockton seems to be showing positive progression in year two, sources continue to rave about the sheer talent of Vandagriff. Expect a constant battle there until Kirby Smart officially names the starter.

Dominic Lovett has come in and made a statement as well. The Missouri transfer is already getting reps with the first-team offense alongside Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Ladd McConkey, and Brock Bowers. He is currently playing at the "Slot" position and it seems he may break out this year.

Chaz Chambliss is due for a big season this coming year with the departure of Nolan Smith. According to Brock Bowers, he is the hardest guy to block on the team. Defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann was asked about this during his press conference on Tuesday and had this to say about Bowers' comments.

"Let’s start with your original question that you asked Brock. I think when you talk about somebody being hard to block, a lot of that is relative to strain. Chaz strains both in terms of his competitive nature and, like, his physical willingness to battle with people. So that makes him a hard guy to block by nature. The guy works extremely hard in all areas, whether it’s walk-throughs, meetings, on the field, individual drills. He’s one of the most common people to stay after practice to work on his own, and so naturally when you work like that and you focus on your process, you grow. I think he buys into that and does it every day. He has continued to progress, and we’re really pleased with him.”

These are good signs from Chambliss as fall practice continues. Smael Mondon and Jamon Dumas-Johnson are heading into their second year as starters and are expected to take a step forward this coming season. Schumann stated that he has been "incredibly pleased with [JDJ} through this early part of camp. His leadership, how vocal he is, his overall effort and approach to practice on a day to day is consistent, and we need that from him." Schumann also had this to say about Mondon's recovery process through camp.

"Smael, obviously from being out there y’all know he’s limited, but he’s working extremely hard. I’ve talked to Ron Courson, and he says, ‘This guy is doing every single thing that he’s being asked to do,’ which is hard to do in treatment. Sometimes that means you’re getting treatment three times a day. Whatever that is, he’s doing a great job, and right now that’s all we can ask of him. The training staff will decided when it’s his time to return, but he’s doing everything he needs to do as a vet in that way.”

Both the offense and the defense have plenty of time left to learn their playbooks, develop on the field, and if they are being held out for injury — as is the case with Mondon at the moment — they have a chance to recover and gain mental reps for their return. The Dawgs have just north of 20 practices left, so there will be plenty more to learn about the 2023 Georgia Bulldogs.

Mondon's injury has also opened the door for the development of Xavian Sorey. Sorey was a highly-touted player entering Georgia that hasn't quite had the opportunity to get the lion's share of the reps with having played behind Smael Mondon at the WILL position. Sorey's shined throughout the beginning parts of camp per reports.

Georgia Injury Report

Smael Mondon, LB - Cleared to run but will be limited with regards to football activity, Kirby Smart mentioned he was ahead of schedule
Kendall Milton, RB - (Hamstring) limited in practice per sources.
Branson Robinson, RB - Cleared to run but will be limited with regards to football activity, Kirby Smart mentioned he was ahead of schedule.
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DL - (FOOT) Will be limited with snap count but will be involved in football activity.
Mykel Williams, DL - FOOT Will be limited with snap count but will be involved in football activity.

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