Georgia Football: 3 reasons Bulldogs will win SEC title in 2021

3. Elite pass-catchers

Something clicked in Kirby Smart’s head after the clock hit 0:00 at the end of the 2019 SEC Championship Game against LSU. We aren’t here to claim that the Bulldogs were one or two players away from winning that game but there was a glaring hole in terms of talent on the roster in that game.

The Georgia receiving corps for that game included Demetris Robertson, Tyler Simmons, Charlie Woerner, and a freshman George Pickens who only played in the second half.

In a post-game interview, Kirby Smart specifically mentioned a lack of weapons on that outside and not being able to match like-for-like with an elite offense like 2019 LSU.

Since that game, the Georgia staff has prioritized recruiting efforts to find some game-changing pass-catchers. Fast forward to today, the Dawgs have added five players that were ranked in the top 100 of the 2020 recruiting class: Arik Gilbert, Darnell Washington, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Arian Smith, and Jermaine Burton.

Going into the 2021 season, a lack of talent and potential in the pass-catching room is not something the Dawgs are facing. Those players listed above along with returning veterans Kearis Jackson and Dominick Blaylock are primed and ready to help launch the Georgia offense into that elite tier. Being crowned as the SEC champions is well within their reach.

Let’s break down the personnel again in the receiver and tight end room.

Gilbert and Washington are matchup nightmares for a defensive coordinator. Gilbert, an LSU transfer, is 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds and he can line up on the outside, slot, or as a tight end. He has the ability to overpower cornerbacks and run past linebackers. Washington is 6-foot-7 and 265 pounds with incredible size and strength it seems almost impossible for defenders to match up.

Burton is the “do-it-all” guy in this group. One of the best route runners on the team with great deep-threat ability — just ask Mississippi State as he burned them all night including this long touchdown. Arian Smith has track speed, legitimately, he runs track for Georgia as well. Kearis Jackson is a reliable target out of the slot. He consistently showed all last year that can he be the safety blanket for the quarterback with his route running and good hands.

The Bulldogs are looking to take the next step in securing an SEC title, and the pass-catchers on the roster should be a big help in that quest. The talent and potential in the receiving, tight end, and running back rooms are something most offensive coordinators around the country dream of.