“When I look at guys like (fourth- and fifth-year players) Sedrick Van Pran, Xavier Truss or Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, just knowing that we could send them off as the winningest class in Georgia history, that sparks a fire in everybody on this team,” Greene, who is a first-year player, said. “Just playing for that will give us a purpose.”
The Bulldogs added to their stellar recruiting class on Thursday, offsetting at least 18 players who have entered the transfer portal, including star linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson and backup quarterback Brock Vandagriff, who are both headed to SEC rival Kentucky.
Smart stated that he has no problem with individuals who have opted to leave, and that he does not believe it reflects negatively on his program. The departures highlight how difficult it is to win playing time with the Bulldogs.
“The portal is beneficial. “Let’s not turn it into a negative,” Smart added. “If you’ve been in a program for three years and you’re not playing, and you don’t feel like you’re going to play or that you’re being developed, it doesn’t look good; you might need to look elsewhere.” It’s not a bad thing.”
When secondary coach Fran Brown accepted the head coaching job at Syracuse, the Bulldogs also lost their most famous recruiter. Smart moved fast to replace the position, selecting Donte Williams, the secondary coach at Southern California.
Georgia, on the other hand, received a significant boost for 2024 when quarterback Carson Beck opted to return for one more season.
Beck put up fantastic numbers in his debut season as a starter after waiting three years for his turn. With one more season between the hedges, he’s hungry to continue his growth – and raise his draft stock.
“It’s huge,” said tight end Oscar Delp. “With a year under his belt, I can’t even begin to describe how good he’ll be next year.” It’s great to have him stay.”
The Bulldogs say they’re excited to play one more game this season, even if it doesn’t come with a chance to win another national championship.
“We’re approaching it like any other week,” said senior defensive back Tykee Smith. “We have an opportunity to finish the year out right.”