SEC Football: Most important newcomers for each team in 2021

2. Georgia Bulldogs

The Georiga Bulldogs are in an interesting place. The Bulldogs have an entire offseason with JT Daniels and offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Then star wide receiver, George Pickens, tears his ACL in spring practice. This is an “if not this year, when” season for Georgia. Florida is retooling, and the rest of the SEC East is a bit of a mess. Alabama is going to be talented but inexperienced.

Can the Bulldogs take advantage? The Bulldogs’ heaviest losses coming into this season are on defense. Georgia loses eight starters or contributors defensively. With four five-star recruits coming in, there will be some first-year students playing this season. These three freshmen could have an immediate impact this season.

• Nylan Green, CB: Nylan Green is a corner who is both good enough to play early in his career and has room to become a Thorpe Award winner. Green played wide receiver and safety during his high school career.  That versatility contributes to the elite ball skills and awareness of how receivers attempt to set him up. A natural in-man coverage, Green can shadow and mirror receivers without getting too “handsy.” Green can bait receivers and use his speed to close. He needs to improve as a tackler but can cover most SEC receivers as a true freshman.
• Smael Mondon, LB: Mondon will evoke memories of Georgia great and current Chicago Bear Roquan Smith. The Georgia native has the athletic profile of the modern collegiate and professional linebacker. A natural athlete, Mondon played running back and tight end and was a triple-jumper in track. Despite not having many reps at linebacker, Mondon possesses all the tools and traits common in great linebackers. That is why he fits so well at Georgia.
• Adonai Mitchell, WR: Mitchell could be a diamond in the rough for this class and the Bulldogs.  With the Pickens’ injury, there is an opportunity for a receiver to step up, and Mitchell could be the one. Mitchell began his career in Texas before playing his last two seasons of high school ball in Tennessee. Mitchell is a big receiver (6-foot-4 and 190 pounds) who runs well and can make things happen after the catch. With Pickens presumably gone for the season, Mitchell has the potential to be a big-play receiver for the Bulldogs early in his career.