Julian Humphrey standing out to teammates as opportunity awaits at cornerback

ATHENS, Ga. — Whatever opportunity Julian Humphrey gets this Saturday in Georgia’s season-opener, he’s earned with an outstanding offseason. A redshirt freshman, Humphrey appeared in just three games last season (Samford, South Carolina, Georgia Tech) and did not record a stat. This year however, Humphrey is being considered as a potential starter and a probable contributor to the Bulldog defense.

“Somebody that’s been really coming along in camp, I think Julian Humphrey’s been having a real good camp,” senior STAR Tykee Smith said on Monday. ” (He’s) playing with the confidence level and then just being physically gifted that he is with him being able to run and look the part out there. Just trying to get him to keep coming along and help the team as best as possible. Looking forward to seeing him come along.”

Georgia head coach has mentioned Humphrey, better known as “Julio” by many, several times so far when talking about the ongoing battle for a starting spot at cornerback. With returning starter Kamari Lassiter having been banged up in the preseason, there have been more reps to go around, and Humphrey has made the most of the opportunity.

“I think Fran (Brown)’s done a tremendous job with Julian. He’s a fast guy that came in kind of raw talent, had not played a lot of the techniques that we’re teaching in terms of multiple coverages. He had played a lot of man,” Smart said. “He’s grown as a player. He’s gotten tougher, he’s gotten more physical. He still has not arrived, he still has moment that make you wonder what he’s doing, but then he has some ‘Wow’ moments. He’s done some really good things in camp, but he has to continue to play in and buy in to the process of getting better at that position. He’ll get better because he’s talented.”

Humphrey was the No. 10 cornerback and No. 82 overall player in the Class of 2022 according to the On3 Industry Ranking coming out of Clear Lake High School in Houston, Texas. Known for his outstanding speed, his 6-foot-1 frame also gave him the size necessary to compete at the collegiate level.

Has one of the best combinations of size and speed in what is a deep cornerback class nationally. Measured 6-foot-1, 189 pounds and ran a 10.55 second mark in the 100 meters prior to his senior season. Also won the fastest man race at The Opening Finals. Has played corner and safety at the high school level and could end up at either spot in college. Able to use his make up speed if out of phase when the ball is in the air. Not overly instinctual and can improve his ball skills. Should also add value as a special teams player.

Charles Power – On3 Director of Scouting

Humphrey’s teammates see it too – and Smith’s not the only one. Junior safety Javon Bullard described the offseason Humphrey’s had as “amazing,” and like Smart, noted that he came in with traits to be special and has continued to build on those.

“Really just sharpening the tools that he already had. Great speed,” Bullard said. “He’s a guy that comes into work day in and day out, and really I’m excited to see him contribute to help this team this year. He definitely put in the work and deserves an opportunity to play.”

“Kamari’s a great player. As far as changing, whether Kamari plays or not the standard is the standard. You know like I said, it’s always a process of next man up,” Bullard added on the possibility of opening the season without Lassiter – something that would open the door even wider for Humphrey. “We’ve got to be ready with or without Kamari. Of course we want to have him out there. I mean, he’s a playmaker. He’s a huge difference back there on the defense, but you know, if things don’t go our way in that area, we’ve got to be ready to play. It’s really just a next-man-up mentality.”

Georgia gets its season underway on Saturday against UT-Martin. Kickoff time from Sanford Stadium in Athens is set for 6:00 p.m. ET, streaming on ESPN+ and SEC Network+.