Georgia WR Preview

You’ve probably seen the stat. Terrence Edwards was the last Georgia pass-catcher to eclipse 1,000 yards, back in 2002. Despite great pass catchers over the years, even Brock Bowers nearly reaching the mark as a tight-end, it has been over two decades since the century mark was passed.

In 2024, with a returning quarterback in Carson Beck, and a multitude of weapons, can a Georgia receiver hit the 1,000-yard mark? How dominant will the Bulldogs’ passing attack be? 

Here’s a full wide receiver preview. 

The Starters
In Georgia’s offense, there projects to be a core of four wide receivers, following the dismissal of Rara Thomas. Each of the four possesses different skills and will be utilized by offensive coordinator Mike Bobo in various ways. Expect to see Dominic Lovett, Dillon Bell, Colbie Young and Arian Smith on the field most.

Lovett will be suiting up in the red and black for a second season, following his transfer from Missouri after the 2022 season. Last year, he was heavily involved in the slot, catching 54 passes for 613 yards and four touchdowns. In 2024, expect Lovett to be a favorite target of Beck’s who will see the most action on the field. 

Bell didn’t have eye-catching numbers in 2023 but is a versatile weapon who flashed at times and may be in for a bigger role in 2024. Bell’s best game came against Tennessee, catching five passes for 90 yards and a touchdown while throwing for a touchdown as well. In total, he finished the year with 29 catches for 355 yards and two touchdowns. However, Bell will likely be a focal point of the offense in 2024, even if he doesn’t finish with the most catches or yards. Bobo and wide receivers coach James Coley will gameplan to get the ball in Bell’s hands when a big play is needed, and Bell is capable of delivering. 

Young, standing at six-foot-three, will be a phenomenal jump-ball threat. Without much speed, Young will have to rely on being able to catch a ball over defenders and should get a heavy workload in the red zone. At Miami last season, Young caught 47 passes for 563 yards and five touchdowns. In 2024 with the Bulldogs, the touchdown count should rise. 

Smith is a senior and has been with the team the longest out of the bunch. Through four seasons, Smith has 20 catches for 539 yards and six touchdowns, perhaps the most important coming against Ohio State in 2022. However, with his game-breaking speed, Smith should be in line for more work in 2024 as a threat to take the top off the defense. 

Depth
Behind these four starters, numerous other pieces can make an impact when needed, especially if someone in the rotation were to get hurt. Sophomore Vanderbilt transfer London Humphries is the next man up. Georgia fans remember his speed when he gashed the 2023 defense for a 49-yard touchdown.

Freshman Sacovie White could make an early impact as well from the slot, after making a few impressive plays on G-Day.

Nitro Tuggle, also a freshman, may not see the field as much, but has extreme talent and can make a big play when he gets his opportunity. 

Anthony Evans is also a player with great straight-line speed that could see the ball thrown his way, although deeper in the rotation.

Junior Cole Speer could also appear on the offense, maybe more than what is expected. 

USC transfer Michael Jackson III rounds out the receiver room, likely as a slot receiver deeper In the rotation.

1,000-yard man
If there were going to be a Georgia receiver to go for 1,000 yards this year, it would be one of two guys: Lovett or Bell. I would lean Lovett, as he will likely see the most opportunity and will be on the field the most, barring injury. However, Bell could push for it, as the Georgia offense will find ways to get the ball in Bell’s hands early and often. 

Ultimately, I think that there will not be a 1,000-yard receiver, as the room is filled with depth, but lacking a star that stands out far beyond the rest. Additionally, I see the Georgia offense utilizing a balanced attack, leaning on their run game behind one of the country’s best O-lines more than people might expect. 

Carson Beck and the receiving room should have great years, but I don’t expect Georgia to throw the ball up and down the field on teams this season to produce eye-popping numbers.