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Georgia Bulldogs Countdown to Kickoff: Day 23

On3 imageby:Wes Blankenship•08/11/22
On3 image
Georgia defensive back Tykee Smith (23) before the Bulldogs’ game against Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. (Photo by Tony Walsh)

The Georgia Bulldogs have just 23 days until they kick off against the Oregon Ducks. They also have a couple of 23’s who could and should play a major role in the 2022-23 season.

But they both have some mountains to climb before they do that.

Let’s start with the 23 who actually got some collegiate reps last year.

Tykee Smith still has a recovery road after his ACL injury at Auburn last year – his first game back from a foot injury.

Kirby Smart told us at the start of Fall Camp that Smith still isn’t cleared for full-contact tackling.

Now, does that mean he won’t play against Oregon? Depends how long it takes to get the pads poppin’.

Because I don’t expect Smart to roll with someone who hasn’t already gotten physical in the preseason. I do find it interesting that Smith isn’t wearing a non-contact jersey when we see him at practice.

If he isn’t ready, he isn’t ready, no matter what color jersey he’s wearing (the same could be said for alternate uniforms in Athens, but that’s too much for the superstitious crowd to hear, I reckon. Love y’all.).

Should Smith sit (say that aloud five times fast – especially if you’re in your cubicle at work), then we’re looking at Dirty Dan Jackson at safety.

Smith was an All-American before transferring from West Virginia. He has 114 total tackles in essentially two seasons of work, with four interceptions, 10.5 tackles for loss and a sack.

Georgia wants him healthy as soon as possible. But don’t sleep on Dirty Dan as long as he’s holding it down.

The other Georgia Bulldogs #23 to know: freshman WR De’Nylon Morrissette

De’Nylon Morrissette isn’t projected to start for the Dawgs’ receiving corps in 2022.

But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t stand to make a huge impact in Todd Monken’s offense.

AD Mitchell, Ladd McConkey and Brock Bowers were all freshman in 2021, and look at how much Georgia leaned on them.

The former 4-star prospect Morrissette was a lightning bolt at North Cobb High School.

In the spring, fellow wideout Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint observed some encouraging traits in Morrissette and his early-enrollee counterpart, CJ Smith.

“CJ and De’Nylon, they’re both very fast. I can say that. They’re learning the playbook as well. They’re very eager to learn the playbook, to go out there and start making plays in practice,” Rosemy-Jacksaint said.

“They’ve still got a lot to learn, but they’re very smart, they’re good kids, and I can’t wait to see them play.”

Georgia fans don’t want to depend on Morrissette this season. But if he’s good enough, he’s old enough. He’s listed at 6’1″, 200, so right around that Kearis Jackson / sneaky slot territory that Monken loves.

Let’s see if he doesn’t end up sneaking into some situations himself this season.

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