Like most national championship teams, the Georgia Bulldogs are set to experience some major turnover from the squad that won the title in January. Now setting out to begin spring practice, Kirby Smart and company will be looking to identify the next crop of leaders for both units. Fortunately for their offense, Brock Bowers is still a Bulldog and he's established himself as a bonafide alpha. Brandon Adams joined The Midday Show to discuss what makes him such a special player, but most importantly, who could be his No. 2?
The sophomore tight end returns to Athens after enjoying an explosive first season in red and black. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Bowers led the team with 56 catches, 882 yards, and 13 touchdowns - all Georgia program records for a tight end.
There were not many wide receivers, much less tight ends, in the SEC that had the pass-catching prowess of Bowers. That, and his unbelievable athleticism set him apart. He was a tight end in size only and name only because he operates as a receiver in terms of his ability to move, go get the football, and then separate from defenders in the open field.
He's as special of a player as there is in college football.
"Brock Bowers is (the alpha of the Georgia offense), can you put anybody else with Bowers? If Bowers is your Michael Jordan," Adams asked, "Do you have a Scottie Pippen?"
Quarterback aside, there is plenty of talent on this offense that could fulfill this role. A few names come to mind immediately: running back Kenny McIntosh, Mitchell and Dominick Blaylock at wide receiver, or Darnell Washington at the other tight end spot.
The running back pair have waited their turn to enter the Athens sunshine. McIntosh is the likely favoirte to lead the group. In his first three years in a reserve role, he has accumulated 753 yards, 356 receiving yards, and nine total touchdowns. Fellow running backs Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards will also be there to carry some of the load, so this unit will again look to be a force in college football.
At wide receiver, the Dawgs feature an unproven, but potentially very deep group. Dominick Blaylock is looking to finally make his return to the offense after struggling with injuries throughout his tenure. As a freshman, Blaylock flashed the unbelievable potential that he will look to tap into this spring.
Speaking of potential, AD Mitchell certainly delivered on his in the National Championship Game with what is likely the biggest catch in recent program history. As a sophomore, he will likely be the primary deep receiver for the Dawgs and look to improve on his four catches for 84 yards and two touchdowns in the playoffs.
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An argument could be made for each of these players. Saturday is the first public opportunity of the 2022 season that the Georgia offense will have to start building that identity and get fans excited.
"Now at G-Day on Saturday, of the guys we expect to play, who could be the guy to have the big moment that gets everyone excited? If Ariq Gilbert has the big moment, that obviously gets everyone excited. But that's the issue for the Georgia Bulldogs the rest of this offseason is figuring out if you have somebody else that can give you close to what Brock Bowers is able to give you because if you do then all of sudden you have the potential to have a pretty potent offense."