Report: Georgia football freshman struck by vehicle

Georgia Football defensive back David Daniel was struck by a vehicle while on campus Tuesday morning, according to DawgNation’s Mike Griffith. The report also indicates that the freshman is not expected to miss any time due to the incident.

The collision occurred on Carlton Street near Sanford Drive around 10:30 a.m. ET, per the University of Georgia Police Department log. Daniel’s parents told Griffith their son is doing “ok” today.

Daniel has worked at safety throughout the spring and into camp. He was a four-star recruit with a rating of 90, finishing just outside the On3 top 300.

Scouting the Georgia defense

Georgia entered the season with questions in the secondary. The Bulldogs lost 2020 starters Eric Stokes, Tyson Campbell and Richard LeCounte to the NFL Draft. The Bulldogs are even more thin in the secondary after losing Tyrique Stevenson (Miami) and Major Burns (LSU) to the transfer portal.

Incoming transfer Tykee Smith was brought in to plug the hole left at safety. Unfortunately, the former West Virginia star suffered a foot injury which required surgery. Smith is out indefinitely as he recovers.

Georgia will start Lewis Cine and Christopher Smith at the safety positions to open the season. David Daniel, Dan Jackson, William Poole, Kamari Lassiter and Javon Bullard will also battle for snaps.

Cornerback Kelee Ringo returns from injury to make his debut alongside Clemson transfer Derion Kendrick. Amar Speed, Latavious Brini and Jalen Kimber are also expected to play a big role in the defensive backfield.

The front seven brings experience and talent together with Jordan Davis back at defensive tackle and the duo of Nakobe Dean and Nolan Smith at linebacker. Incoming four-star freshmen linebackers Smael Mondon and Xavian Sorey will also look to crack the rotation in their first season.

2021 outlook

Georgia opens as the No. 4 team in ESPN’s preseason power rankings. The Bulldogs open the season on Sept. 4 against Clemson in Charlotte, North Carolina. ESPN’s FPI ratings project that game to be Georgia’s toughest of the season, giving the Bulldogs just a 28.7% change of winning.

The Bulldogs also open the season as the favorite to win the SEC East, edging out Florida for the top spot. Georgia is favored to win every SEC regular season game this season, according to ESPN’s FPI ratings.

Kirby Smart is looking to lead Georgia back to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2016, when Alabama defeated them in overtime of the national championship game.