2021 UGA Football: National Championship

UGA Instant Analysis 

Championship Week: W @ Alabama; 14-1

For the first time in my life I got to celebrate a Georgia Football national championship. As a fan, I’m so excited for this team I love to finally come out on top; some of my best memories involve UGA and my wife (the actual bulldawg) and this just makes it all sweeter. As a father, I’m so happy for these young kids to experience such joy. As a leader, I’m so proud to see Kirby Smart set the example he does for these young men and for the state.

I’ll keep the analysis short and mostly positive to leave room to talk about these young savages. 

The offense looked bad early. Really for three quarters I didn’t have much faith. For all the gushing over Stetson this week, he played poorly and got bailed out by his defense. I really think if a Bryce Young-type QB led this team they probably win by 40. But he kept it together and delivered in the end to get the job done. 

The real UGA MVP was Jake Camarda. He won’t get the credit he deserves, but his punts were perfect all night and kept the Bama offense pinned. 

Georgia’s defense was unreal. They kept this team in the game just long enough to let the offense figure it out. 

To close the season, below are my end of year awards. 

MVP/DPY: 

Nakobe Dean

Nolan Smith

Jordan Davis

Nakobe Dean was outstanding as a player and leader all season. Nolan Smith, my personal favorite player on the team, was so versatile all season and fittingly ended the year with a sack of Bryce Young. Jordan Davis probably had a less-than-expected season, mostly because he only had to play one half every game, but his leadership and selflessness is something to admire and I’m so happy for him to win this game.

OPY:

Jamaree Salyer

Brock Bowers

James Cook

Jamaree Salyer earned a lot of money the last two weeks, showing he can compete against the best at both tackle and guard, and was a consistent leader for an often shaky offense. Brock Bowers, despite being a freshman, is one of the best all around athletes I see in college football, and will only grow through his time in Athens. James Cook, who I’ll highlight more later, was incredibly explosive and versatile all year and came up big a few times in key moments.

Newcomer of the Year:

Brock Bowers

Kelee Ringo

Sedrick Van Pran Granger

Brock Bowers is an unreal freshman, and will likely be a fan favorite for a few more seasons. Kelee Ringo, who would be here even without the championship-sealing pick six, grew tremendously across this season and stepped up at a position desperately needing help. SVPG, another freshman and player who won’t get the credit he deserved, stepped into the center position with a great amount of composure and strength. 

Most Improved:

James Cook

Stetson Bennett

DeVonte Wyatt

I used to cringe when James Cook took handoffs between the tackles because they were guaranteed tackles for loss, but he improved his strength and patience so much and turned into a bonafide NFL prospect. Stetson Bennett, for all his faults, took tremendous strides this season and helped the team to a national championship. DeVonte Wyatt was a borderline draftable player with little upside, and he turned into a quick, athletic, beast in the middle. 

2022 Breakout:

Jalen Carter

Broderick Jones

Kendall Milton

Jalen Carter gets alot of love, but he’s going to be a household name next season with his strength, quickness, and elite hand placement. Broderick Jones is going to be a star offensive lineman, and even needed to step up in the championship after Warren Ericson left with injury. Kendall Milton will see a huge increase in carries next season, and might be the best all around back on the team already.

2022 Sleepers:

QB

Chaz Chambliss

12 personnel 

Whoever is the QB next season should shine. If it’s Stetson again with a full offseason, or Brock Vandagriff or Gunner Stockton, they’re set up to succeed with a solid offensive line and a plethora of weapons. Chaz Chambliss was a quality contributor to special teams this year, and his tenacity is something to keep an eye on. 12 personnel, which is one tailback and two tight ends, is going to be special for Georgia with Milton/McIntosh, Bowers and Washington, and Burton/Smith/Blaylock/Mitchell/Jacksaint and anyone else that can ball out on the edge.

Teammate of the Year:

JT Daniels

George Pickens

Dan Jackson

Zamir White

JT Daniels, who still might have an NFL future despite sitting on the bench, never stopped supporting Stetson or this team even through a difficult situation. George Pickens, who could be a high pick this year, rushed back to the field following an ACL injury when he didn’t have to, and helped this team in a big way. Dan Jackson, former walk-on and consistent special teamer, found so many ways to help this team, and even sprung Kelee’s pick six. Adding one to this list because Zamir White is one of the most selfless superstar tailbacks I ever saw, never complaining about sharing carried when he could easily get 100+ every game.

Coach of the Year:

Kirby Smart

Jonas Jennings

Glen Schumann

Maybe this is obvious but I think how Kirby handled this season and especially the rematch was incredible, and I could not think of a better man to lead the program. I genuinely think Kirby has the chance to be the greatest college football coach in history with his resume as an assistant and what I think is the first of many championships at Georgia. Jonas Jennings, the player development coach, clearly put this team in position to love each other and grow as men of character, something that is so special about this sport. Glen Schumann, the inside backer coach, led one of the most dominant position groups in football, and I’m looking forward to see his growth as a Co-DC alongside Will Muschamp.

2022 outlook:

It’s so early, and so many college and transfer decisions will happen in the next few months, but I truly think we’re going to see Georgia and Alabama play in next season’s national championship. Georgia will take some steps back with a lot of experience departing, but they have a ton of talent returning and more coming in that makes me confident in their ability to exploit  an easy schedule next year. I give the edge to Bama, but we have a long way to go. 

Go Dawgs!