Observations after a week of practice

It’s early in spring, but first impressions are still valuable. Here are some things I’m seeing and hearing after a week on Greentree:

- Xavier Lucas and Zechariah Poyser look impactful. Lucas is huge at CB and made a beautiful INT in one-on-one coverage on Wednesday. His straight-line speed and length allow him to recover when he does get beat. Poyser is twitchy and smart with ball skills.

Lucas was the #1 CB in the Portal, and Poyser was the #2 safety. Both rankings look legit. These are NFL talents who would have made a major difference on last year’s team.

- The three freshmen at WR (Malachi Toney, Josh Moore, Daylyn Upshaw) have all made plays. Toney is the furthest ahead because of his IQ. I think he has a chance to play big snaps. Moore is moving well at his size. Upshaw is lankier than expected and makes plays every practice. These guys work the JUGS machine after practice and look like they belong. Still very early, but a nice start.

- Recruiting matters at DL, and two guys who look like five-star recruits are Armondo Blount and Hayden Lowe. They are huge at DE, play with power, and have done the right things so far. These are the types of physical profiles that typically go to Georgia.

- Overall, the team looks bigger and longer. That’s a consistent comment from longtime practice observers and coaches.

We’ve said that every spring of the Cristobal era, but it’s the byproduct of aggressive talent acquisition. There aren’t a lot of 6’2 guards, 5’11 defensive tackles and 5’9 corners running around anymore.

- The best player on the team might be Elija Lofton. He’s been a beast in the weight room and is a natural football player. It’s all coming together for him to have a monster year.

- JoJo Trader is carrying himself like a #1. The confidence from the bowl game and the added weight is helping him. I still expect us to add an impactful WR and LB in the Portal.

- QB play is still getting up to speed. Nobody has separated themselves as #2 behind Carson Beck, but it’s too early. We won’t have a great feel for this offense until Beck returns.

- Dylan Day is a name to watch at safety. He’s made some nice plays on the ball. We know he can run and hit from his time on special teams.

- Too early for a true evaluation, but DT Donta Simpson looks right. Good size and movement.

- RayRay Joseph looks to have shed some weight and ticked up his speed. He will have his hands full holding off Toney.