Roster management- by the numbers year comparison

Since the removal of Richt, I've paid close attention to the roster management by Kirby. Both in talent acquisition and the spread by position and class.

We cannot let 2020 slip by without a big year. I dont expect much dropoff in 2021. But this clearly is the most talented roster that Smart has fielded and it isnt close. The difference this season versus 2018 and 2019 is the amount of talent in the upper-classmen. If someone shares a good depth chart for 2017, I'd be happy to stretch the data back another year.

The biggest glaring difference is upper class starters.
2020 = 20 out of 26 (including sam, nickel, dime, p, and pk). This is 21 if JT Daniels is the starter.

2019 = 9

2018 = 14.

Upperclass second stringers
2020 = 10 (11 if JT Daniels is included)
2019 = 5
2018 = 12

I haven't included 2017 yet. But I remember all of those seniors returning. Upper class leadership is underappreciated by fans in terms of expectations.

The difference for the 2020 season? All of those 2017 and 2018 recruits are growing up. Next season will be led by the 2017 returners and those great 2018 and 2019 classes. The talent isnt going away, but we are going to have to figure a lot of things out in the secondary.