Dawgs’ success may hinge on CB, Muschamp; “we have never in seven years been this thin"

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With spring practices mostly closed, it’s tough to assess the 2022 Dawgs at this point.

Still, an overview of the returning players and the holes to be filled in the starting lineup suggests that how things go at two key position groups — quarterback and cornerback — could have a lot to say about what sort of season the defending national champion Bulldogs will end up having.

The scenarios for the two positions are very different. At quarterback, the Dawgs return an obvious starter in Stetson Bennett. They also have a lot of talent behind Bennett, battling for the crucial backup spot.

Meanwhile, at cornerback, Kirby Smart said this week, “we have never in seven years been this thin.”

Nevertheless, for the first time in his career at Georgia, Bennett approaches a season as the clear No. 1, and his combination of experience, running ability and decent passing skills would appear to bode well for the Dawgs.

But, as his head coach reminded him publicly, there’s still room for improvement.

The situation is a bit more unfocused in the defensive secondary, where cornerback Kelee Ringo, of national championship pick-6 fame, and safety Christopher Smith are the only returning starters, though William Poole and Dan Jackson have a good bit of experience.

Of course, the defensive backs have a new coach this season, too, in Fran Brown, but Smart appears to be expecting great things from his new hire.

SEC coaching veteran Will Muschamp, now co-defensive coordinator, is giving the secondary a lot of attention. Muschamp “has been a game-changer for me,” Jackson said, “and, I would say, all the other DBs. Having that great defensive mind in there, critiquing us every day, that’s something I’m really grateful for. We’re blessed to have him, for sure.”

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