PHOTOS: Georgia players go through Pro Day for NFL scouts

ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia Football opened spring practice on Tuesday. That’s a look for Kirby Smart and company at what the future may hold this fall. As is customary though around Athens, the following day is dedicated to the past with the Bulldogs holding Pro Day for the NFL bound players. Nineteen players (including a few Georgia transfers that returned to Athens for the day) worked out on Wednesday at Georgia’s William Porter Payne and Porter Otis Payne Indoor Athletic Facility (better known as the House of Payne) for scouts to see.

Below are photos from the day courtesy of UGA Sports Communications and photographer Tony Walsh.

Stetson Bennett

Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett won a pair of National Championships for the Bulldogs in 2021 and 2022 as the starter. In his only full season with the job, Bennett became the first Georgia quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards in a single season and was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.

Kenny McIntosh

Georgia running back Kenny McIntosh led the Bulldogs in rushing this past season. After waiting his turn and watching the likes of D’Andre Swift, Brian Herrien, Zamir White and James Cook, McIntosh turned in over 1,000 total yards with 829 rushing and 504 receiving, totaling 10 touchdowns in 2022.

Kearis Jackson

Wide receiver Kearis Jackson didn’t participate in Pro Day. After working out at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis earlier this month, Jackson said he was taking time to let his wrist heal up after he had surgery this offseason. Jackson leaves Georgia with 78 catches, 1,107 yards and four touchdowns to his name including a 2020 season in which he led the Bulldogs in receiving.

Darnell Washington

Georgia tight end Darnell Washington is a freak. He told folks at the Pro Day that his measurements had been corrected after a mix up at the Combine. Coming in at 6-foot-7 and nearly 280 pounds this past season, Washington has dropped a little bit of weight in hopes of improving his ability as a pass catcher while still maintaining a presence in the run game. Washington had a career-high 28 catches for 454 yards and two touchdowns.

Broderick Jones

Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones is next in a long line of Bulldogs at the position in the pros. Joining the likes of Andrew Thomas, Isaiah Wynn and Jamaree Salyer, Jones is projected in the first round after starting all 15 games for Georgia at left tackle this past season.

Warren McClendon

Kirby Smart called Warren McClendon one of the players he thinks is under-hyped. McClendon started games for Georgia in three consecutive seasons including a stretch of 38 in a row at right tackle.

Warren Ericson

Like McClendon above, Warren Ericson has starting experience in his back pocket. Ericson can play guard or center, a skillset that could make him worth attention from NFL teams.

Jalen Carter

Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter was the center of attention on Wednesday. After an arrest caused him to leave Indianapolis during the NFL Combine before eventually returning, the potential top-10 pick showed what he could do during the workout portion of his day today, the first time he’s done so in the pre-draft process. Considered one of the top defensive players to come out of college in quite some time, Carter earned consensus All-American status with 32 tackles including seven for loss in 13 games.

Nolan Smith

Georgia outside linebacker Nolan Smith was the star of the NFL Combine in many ways, impressing media with his interview ability and teams with what he did during his on-field workout. Smith ran the fastest 40 and recorded the highest vertical jump for his position, something that’s quickly shot him up draft boards since. Smith’s season came to a close earlier than expected due to an injury, but he’s reminded folks what he’s capable of – totaling 56 tackles including nine for loss in Georgia’s run to the 2021 National Championship before starting off the 2022 season strong with seven tackles for loss in eight games.

Robert Beal

Don’t forget about Robert Beal when talking about the Georgia outside linebackers. Beal actually led the 2021 squad in sacks on a defense that produced five first round picks and eight selections in last year’s NFL Draft. In six seasons between the hedges, Beal had 72 tackles including 10.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss.

Christopher Smith

Georgia safety Christopher Smith was a consensus All-American this past season, helping lead the Bulldog defense from the back end. He finished top five on the team in tackles while leading the group with a trio of interceptions. Smith also fell into Kirby Smart’s category of underrated Bulldogs in the draft process.

Kelee Ringo

Once considered to be a probable first round pick, cornerback Kelee Ringo has slipped some. Still, he’s an incredible talent with more athletic ability than he knows what to do with sometimes. Ringo had a pair of picks this past season, both off of NFL prospect quarterbacks – Hendon Hooker and Will Levis. Around Athens though, he’ll always be remembered for his interception and return for a touchdown that sealed the deal on Georgia’s 2021 National Championship win over Alabama.

Jack Podlesny

Kicker Jack Podlesny was consistent throughout his Georgia career, following in the footsteps of a legend – Rodrigo Blankenship. Above he’s seen talking with Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, one of a few NFL head coaches that were in Athens on Wednesday to take in the action.

Video of several Georgia players that participated and Kirby Smart can be found on the DawgsHQ YouTube channel here.