Georgia still needs to make a decision on some important special teams roles as the Bulldogs prepare for the 2023 season opener versus UT Martin on Sept. 2.
Head coach Kirby Smart outlined his plan to the media on Wednesday.
“Punt return, we’ve done it by committee. Ladd’s been back there before. (Mekhi) Mews did a good job in the spring and has been back there. Dom (Lovett) has done it, both at Missouri and he’s done it here with us since arriving. Anthony Evans, Zeed (Haynes),” Smart said. “Kickoff returns, Mews, Dillon Bell, Daijun (Edwards), Joenel (Aguero) back there. Malaki (Starks) has been back there … I wouldn’t say we’ve settled on anybody at either location yet as we continue those.”
Former Bulldogs Kenny McIntosh and Kearis Jackson helped in return duties before departing to the NFL this spring.
There’s also questions at kicker as Georgia attempts to replace last year’s starter Jack Podlesny. The battle is between junior Jared Zirkel and true freshman Peyton Woodring. Smart was in no hurry to name a starter.
“It’s a really tight race,” Smart said. They’ve both been extremely accurate outside of the one scrimmage. We haven’t decided yet.”
