One specific area of development Georgia will emphasize going forward is with its pass-catching and downfield-blocking corps, which lost receivers Mecole Hardman, Terry Godwin and Ridley Riley and tight end Isaac Nauta, among others.
But senior tight end Charlie Woerner and junior wide receiver Jeremiah Holloman, who have waited their respective turns to be leaders, both expressed confidence Thursday that despite the attrition, there will be no drop-off in their particular spheres of offense.
“It’s a lot different, but it’s still really fun,” said Woerner, who with John FitzPatrick figure to lead the tight ends. “We’ve still got a really good group – me and Fitz and a bunch of other good guys.
“We lost Mecole, Terry and Riley, but we’ve got a bunch of other guys coming back. (Holloman) is going to have a big year and be one of our leading receivers and Kearis Jackson is going to have a really good year. It’s Georgia – we have a lot of good talent, and I think we’ll be ready.”
Holloman said he thinks every receiver on the team can have an impact this season.
“I feel like our whole room can step in and contribute,” said Holloman, who caught 24 passes for 418 yards and five touchdowns last season. “We have guys just waiting for a chance. I stepped in last year and made an impact, and we have plenty of guys like that. We have a load of guys capable of going out there and competing and making plays.”
And both Woerner and Holloman, perhaps mindful of coach Kirby Smart’s “pressure is a privilege” mantra, said they look forward to the opportunity to be leaders at their positions.
“It feels like my time,” said Woerner, who caught nine passes for 121 yards last season. “I’m ready to have a big year this year, and I’m excited, but no, I don’t feel any pressure. All I can do is my best, and if I do my best, whatever happens will happen.”
“It’s been a joy,” Holloman said. “Just knowing that people depend on me and are looking up to me is actually a fun experience, honestly. I know I can’t mess up, so I’ve got to push myself two times harder, so it makes me better while I’m making other people better.”
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