Georgia secondary is talented but very thin

On3 imageby:Adam Luckett10/15/21

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On Thursday evening, Georgia defensive back Tykee Smith was ruled out for the season due to an ACL injury. The West Virginia transfer was an All-American for the Mountaineers in 2020 and expected to play a big role for the Bulldogs this season.

However, Smith played in just one game due to a foot injury suffered in fall camp. The latest injury news was just more of the same for Kirby Smart’s secondary.

Starting cornerbacks Tyson Campbell and Eric Stokes both decided to leave Georgia early after the 2020 season. Each is having success with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers. However, this started a domino effect of departures for the Bulldogs.

Tyrique Stevenson started four games with the Bulldogs but decided to transfer to Miami after two seasons in Athens. Safety Major Burns moved to LSU after one season at Georgia. All of a sudden, UGA had some major secondary issues.

Smart and his staff decided to go to the transfer portal.

In the offseason, Georgia added Clemson cornerback Derion Kendrick and Smith. Both players were all-conference performers in the ACC and Big 12. Kendrick has started every game this year and has recorded eight tackles. Smith only played against Auburn.

Just earlier this week, outside cornerback Ameer Speed was ruled out of the Kentucky contest due to an ankle injury. Meanwhile, starting strong safety Christopher Smith suffered a separated shoulder against Auburn. His status for the game on Saturday is still up in the air.

The Bulldogs have a ton of issues in the secondary, but there are still a ton of good players available. At free safety, Lewis Cine is putting together an All-American caliber season as a junior and would be one of the top safeties in the NFL Draft if he declares after this season. Opposite Kendrick, Kelee Ringo starts for Georgia, and the Arizona product is a former five-star recruit. At UGA’s hybrid safety spot, senior Latavious Brini has been a very productive player.

Georgia has a lot of quality options to use in the secondary, but there is no doubt that this is a thin unit. Thanks to a dynamic front, opponents have not been able to take advantage. However, a walk-on could be starting at strong safety if Christopher Smith cannot go.

Georgia is now just an injury or targeting ejection away from really being in deep trouble in the secondary. That is a concern for Kirby Smart and defensive coordinator Dan Lanning. The coaching staff must try and protect this unit the best that they can.

Could Kentucky be the team to take advantage of this banged-up unit? We’ll find out soon.

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2024-03-28