The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

THE BREAKDOWN

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Returning starters: P Brett Thorson (6-2, 210, So.), SN William Mote (6-2, 230, Sr.), PR Ladd Mcconkey (6-0, 185, Jr.) All eyes on: PK Jared Zirkel (6-3, 185, Jr.)

Outlook: Georgia obviously was an awesome team last season, as evidenced by its perfect record and more-crowded trophy case. But if there was one area the Bulldogs could have performed better during the 15-0 run, it was in the area of special teams. According to Footballou­tsiders.com, the Bulldogs ranked 49th in the nation in overall special-teams efficiency (0.12). How that rating is arrived at is complicate­d, but for the sake of comparison, South Carolina had the nation’s top mark in 2022 at 1.44. It’s not hard to figure out that Georgia could immediatel­y improve in returns. Georgia was sure-handed but not necessaril­y dynamic with Kearis Jackson and Mcconkey splitting punt-return duties last season. Mcconkey averaged 12.31 yards, but with a chronic knee issue and burgeoning role in the offense, he may want to pass the torch. Fellow wideout Mekhi Mews is the only other returning player with an attempt, with one for 21 yards. Kickoff returns almost are a thing of the past. Running back Daijun Edwards (two returns, 37 yards) is the only letterman who handled the responsibi­lity besides Kearis Jackson (18-391) last season. Georgia has not had a TD in the return game the past two seasons . ... Though he jokingly complained about getting enough opportunit­ies last season, Australian punter Thorson proved he can be a defensive weapon in his first season of American football. He punted only 36 times in 15 games (2.4 per game) but averaged a hardy 45 yards on the nose on those, with only one touchback all season. And no one will soon forget his 75-yard punt that rolled out on the 1-yard line and turned the tide against Tennessee. Georgia will have to break in a new holder for placement kicks with quarterbac­k Stetson Bennett’s graduation. Considerin­g last season’s results, look for that job to remain in the QB group.

Up next: Offensive line

 ?? TONY WALSH/UGAAA ?? Jared Zirkel (99) may have the inside track on the kicking job, but he’ll face competitio­n from Henry Bates and Peyton Woodring.
TONY WALSH/UGAAA Jared Zirkel (99) may have the inside track on the kicking job, but he’ll face competitio­n from Henry Bates and Peyton Woodring.

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