A year after Kirby Smart’s inaugural Spring game as Georgia’s head football coach, the Georgia football faithful remain optimistic that this new coach can bring the first national championship to the school since 1980.  Although this year’s event was not the sold out “93kday” spectacle of last year, according to UGA athletics 66,133 fans were in attendance Saturday in Sanford Stadium.

“To have 66,000 people makes me really proud to be a Bulldog,” Smart said.  “A lot of our recruits made comments about the attendance and I think anytime you get 66,000 people for a practice that’s an exciting thing.”

Although college football spring games are exactly that (glorified practices), they do offer die hard fans a chance to see for themselves how their favorite players are progressing as well as get their first up-close-and-personal glimpse of future stars.

Position Battles other than quarterback

“I’m looking forward to seeing Jake Fromm, I hope he plays well and gives Eason some competition,” said Chase Rogers, 15, of Towns County, Ga.

Those sentiments seemed to dominate the talk among fans tailgating before the game, and while the quarterback battle was certainly the highlight, there were a number of other players who shined with their own respective performances.

 

Three Under the Radar Stars:

1.  J.J. Holloman – Freshman WR – In a crowded position group, Holloman stood out as potentially being a deep threat target for either Eason or Fromm.  With three catches for 77 yards and one touchdown, Hollomam flashed the ability that may earn him early playing time this fall.  Finding a reliable receiving threat is an area of concern for the Georgia offense, so any signs of play-making ability will be duly noted.
2. D’Andre Walker – Junior LB – Walker is currently getting reps with the second team defense, but with a standout performance on Saturday, he could end up pushing starters Davin Bellamy and Lorenzo Carter more than they would like.  Walker finished with 5 tackles and two sacks, and displayed the athletic ability that fans have seen on special teams over the past few seasons.
3. Richard Lecounte – Freshman FS – Lecounte was integral in helping Smart build the nations #3 recruiting class this past fall.  Now that he’s on the field, fans are hoping he can play as well as he can talk.  Lecounte didn’t disappoint on Saturday, leading the Black Team with nine tackles and one pass breakup.  The freshman safety, likely will be a second team player this fall, but his athletic skills and natural leadership ability make him an intriguing prospect moving forward.