Fall camp storylines: Do Georgia's WRs have the need for speed?
Having a bigger, stronger offensive lineman hasn’t been Kirby Smart’s only goal when it comes to what he wants to ultimately see on his Bulldog football team.
Some receivers with the ability to stretch the field would be nice, too.
Let’s examine the situation.
From a pure speed standpoint senior Reggie Davis is probably still the fastest of the current group, but he’s yet to take that next step in his development and enters the season with just 29 catches for 507 yards.
While coaches obviously haven’t given up on Davis by any standpoint, they’re hoping a couple of younger players will help supplement that need for speed.
One is former Creekside standout Jayson Stanley who enjoyed what some called the best spring of any of Georgia’s wide receivers.
Completely recovered from the ACL he tore in high school, Stanley’s speed is back and with the improvement he’s made as a route runner, don’t be surprised if he becomes one of the top targets for whomever gets the call at quarterback.
Of the freshmen, keep an eye on Tyler Simmons.
Like Stanley, Simmons is a former track standout who sources say has been very impressive during summer workouts, not only with his speed but his ability to learn route concepts and how to work off of jams. It will be interesting to see if he can continue his progress once the pads come on.
Will Mecole Hardman figure into the mix?
Hardman has the speed – everyone knows that – but according to sources, all of Hardman’s summer work has been on the defensive side of the ball – which Smart said it would be.
Does that mean we won’t see Hardman on offense at all? Not necessarily, but at least right now Hardman’s home appears to be on the defensive side, although when you have that kind of speed, don’t be shocked to see offensive coordinator Jim Chaney try to put it to use one way or the other.
Otherwise, Georgia’s wide receiving corps, while young, has talent.
TaxSlayer Bowl MVP Terry Godwin (35 catches, 379 yards and two touchdowns) is back for his sophomore year and along with junior Isaiah McKenzie (11 catches for 117 yards and two touchdowns) will be asked to not only lead the group but produce big numbers.
No, we’re not overlooking Riley Ridley. While he may not be as fast as brother Calvin, Riley Ridley showed during the spring game that he not only knows how to get open, but he can make the tough catches as well.
Keep an eye on Javon Wims.
At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, people we’ve talked to light up when Wims’ name has been mentioned, swearing that this will be a player to make an immediate impact.
While he may not qualify as your typical burner, Wims apparently knows how to use his size and compares very favorably to former Bulldog wideout Marlon Brown in that regard.
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