Georgia Football: 5 Players with the Most to Gain in Spring Practices
With the coaching staff settled and national signing day in the rearview mirror, the Georgia Bulldogs now shift their collective focus to spring practice.
For a team looking to maintain a prolific offensive profile under new coordinator Brian Schottenheimer while improving defensively under second-year coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, there is a lot to look forward to. And much of that anticipation centers on individual player development.
Though spring practice isn't the only measure of growth for athletes, it does serve as a good barometer for evaluating who's checking the right boxes. This spring, five players in particular stand to gain a lot from practice and scrimmage time.
Here's a closer look.
Quarterback Brice Ramsey
1 of 5
Brice Ramsey was hit or miss as a redshirt freshman. His arm strength was staggering. His confidence was cavalier. He looked the part of the next great Georgia gunslinger. Except when he didn't.
His two interceptions in 39 pass attempts both came from poor decision-making. Truthfully, he could have been picked off more often. And yet he did enough to remain in the driver's seat for the starting job.
He was brilliant against Kentucky, connecting on all five pass attempts for 80 yards and a score. He hit on more than 60 percent of his passes for the year. His quarterback rating was a respectable 148.4.
The question is: Which Ramsey will be under center in 2015?
Will it be the strong-armed signal-caller who didn't throw an interception in his first four games? Or will it be the erratic young passer who completed just four of nine passes for 51 yards, no touchdowns and an interception against Louisville to close the season?
At this juncture, Ramsey could turn out to be either of those versions of himself—or something completely different. Spring will give Georgia fans and coaches a much better look. But the Bulldogs need him to take ownership of the quarterback position.
Running Back Keith Marshall
2 of 5
Keith Marshall also faces a fork in the road—though his may bear stronger personal ramifications.
After redshirting in 2014 and battling a handful of leg injuries, Marshall enters 2015 with two years of eligibility remaining and three possible career outcomes.
If the former 5-star running back recruit, per 247Sports, can get back close to old form, he could be a major factor in the offense for the next two years. In fact, if he can find the explosiveness that defined his freshman season (Marshall accounted for 850 yards of offense and nine scores on just 128 touches), he may answer the NFL's call after this season.
As Gentry Estes of Dawgs 247 summarizes: "The term 'bounce-back' may be more applicable than 'breakout' for Marshall, but do not forget about him. Five-star ability and a strong work ethic usually are a formidable mix. Marshall still has that. He just needs to get comfortable and confident on the field again this spring.
But the third possible result for Marshall is less optimistic. His explosiveness may not return. Nick Chubb and Sony Michel may dominate the depth chart. If that's the case, his Georgia career may fade into a classic case of "what could have been" by no fault of his own.
This spring, Georgia should get a look at a healthy Marshall. Can he regain confidence in his cutting abilities? Can he handle hits? Can he contribute? Can he challenge for serious playing time?
Final answers won't be known until the fall, but tentative responses should be forming soon.
Inside Linebacker Reggie Carter
3 of 5
Despite a lack of hype, Reggie Carter made an early impact on Georgia's defense when he enrolled in 2013. As a true freshman, he pushed eventual All-SEC performer Ramik Wilson for the starting spot at inside linebacker until the waning days of fall practice that year.
Unfortunately, Wilson's emergence and a handful of injuries to the younger tackler kept Carter from flying all over the field as a mainstay of the defense in 2013 and 2014. He was a quality reserve but never a star.
Now, he has his shot.
With Wilson and Amarlo Herrera departed, Carter (and Tim Kimbrough) will be depended upon to replace a staggering amount of defensive production. Combine that opportunity with Carter's ambition, and 2015 has to be a big year.
Way back in 2013, Carter alluded to Seth Emerson of Macon's Telegraph that he hoped to go pro early. "It's exciting, actually, to come up here and play your freshman year," he explained. "Because you get that out of the way, then you've got, what, two years left, then you can leave."
He corrected that statement of remaining years, adding, "Oh yeah, three," but his intention was clear.
Carter doesn't need to merely hold on to his projected spot as starter this spring. He needs to dominate. Defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt is always slow to hand out awards after spring practice, but Carter needs to command the title of defensive MVP with his play.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Cornerback Aaron Davis
4 of 5
Aaron Davis was the feel-good story of last spring. The walk-on went from unknown under former defensive coordinator Todd Grantham to starter under Jeremy Pruitt.
Davis started 10 games last year and played all over the defensive secondary. He did a little bit of everything while he was on the field. He made tackles (40), broke up passes (five) and forced turnovers (one interception, one fumble recovery).
But now, he needs to fill shoes and become a dominant cornerback. He has the size (6'1", 189 lbs) to be an absolute menace on the outside, and his rugged, tenacious playing style could really frustrate opposing wide receivers.
Hopefully, spring offers a sneak peek at Aaron Davis, the shutdown cornerback.
Anybody at Center
5 of 5
David Andrews, a multiyear starter at center, is gone, and for the first time since 2011, the Bulldogs are looking for someone to anchor the offensive line.
A handful of prospects are in contention, but the most logical options are Isaiah Wynn and Josh Cardiello, both of whom will be sophomores in 2015.
From an experience standpoint, Wynn seems to be the favorite after appearing in 11 games and making one start in 2014 as a true freshman. But Wynn is also the more athletic of the two players and could be a better fit at guard or tackle down the road.
Cardiello redshirted in 2013 before appearing in just one game (Troy) in 2014. He seems to have the skill set to play center, but he's new to the position as well.
This spring, somebody needs to step up and take ownership of the crucial position.
Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all stats courtesy of 247Sports.com.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
