Georgia Fall Camp Position Preview: Special Teams
We’re less than a week away from the start of fall camp in Athens, Ga., and what better time to take a look at what the Bulldogs bring to the table this season? Georgia is the two-time defending national champions and going for a three-peat in 2023, something that hasn’t been accomplished since the 1930s. If that’s to happen, it’ll take a total team effort.
Over the course of the final few days leading up to the start of fall camp, we’ll be doing a deep dive into each of Georgia’s position groups, breaking down players to watch and all the biggest storylines as the season quickly approaches. We’ve covered offense in its entirety and will do the same with the defense. However, you can’t forget about special teams!
For previous stories in the series, check out the links below:
Quarterback
Running Back
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Offensive Line
Special Teams
Georgia has several important position battles to settle over the course of fall camp, and one of those comes on special teams.
After freshman kicker Peyton Woodring arrived this summer, he’ll have an opportunity to compete for the starting job against Jared Zirkel who has been around the program for a couple of years but has little to no experience.
Both considered among the country’s top kickers coming out of high school, Kirby Smart didn’t shy away from the fact that there is absolutely a competition to be had, and that they’d find ways to put the pressure on. After all, the last thing Smart wants to be worrying about in an important situation is whether the kicker can come through our not.
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Whoever wins that job likely has a leg up – no pun intended – in the running for the kickoff job too. Jack Podlesny handled both last season, and replacing the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year will be no easy task.
As for the other aspect of kicking – punting – Brett Thorson returns for another year in Athens. After a strong freshman season last year, his first playing American Football after coming overseas from Australia, Thorson will look to build upon it with another year under his belt.
Thorson punted 36 times last season for an average of 48 yards. Of his punts, 18 were fair caught while 19 were downed inside the 20-yard line. His season-long of 75 yards came on one of Georgia’s biggest stages last season, rolling it out of bounds inside the 1-yard-line versus the then-No. 1 ranked Tennessee Volunteers. It was the longest punt in 13 years and 10th longest in school history.
Georgia still has to figure out its holder, and that’s something Smart says will be left up to the kicker for the most part. Same goes for the return man on both punt and kick as Kearis Jackson and Kenny McIntosh both played large parts the last few seasons. Ladd McConkey and walk-on Mekhi Mews have their fair share of experience and are expected to get a crack at it come the fall.
