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Olivia Sayer
Georgia wide receiver Dillon Bell (86) runs with the ball during a NCAA college football game between Georgia and Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. Georgia won 38-10. (Photo/Landen Todd @whats_landophoto)
Despite losing eight players to the NFL Draft this year and others to the transfer portal, the Bulldogs still have a plethora of athletes ready to step up. Here are some players to watch for the 2024 season.
Oscar Delp, tight end
Brock Bowers will go down as one of the greatest Georgia players of all time. He left the Bulldogs as the first player to win back-to-back John Mackey Awards and only the third Georgia player to earn three First Team All-America honors (Herschel Walker and David Pollack). With Bowers now playing on Sundays with the Raiders, Georgia’s tight end room will be led by Oscar Delp.
Similar to Bowers, Delp brings versatility to the tight end position. He can flex out wide or work from the slot. Delp’s strong hands allow wiggle room for his quarterbacks, as evidenced by his one-handed grab against Florida. The rising junior also improved his run-blocking ability, which is vital in the physical Southeastern Conference.
Trevor Etienne, running back
Trevor Etienne now leads a star-studded group of running backs. The Florida-native transferred to the Bulldogs following two seasons with the Gators. There, he rushed for 753 yards on 131 carries and led the team with eight rushing touchdowns.
Etienne is a strong downhill runner with the ability to be both elusive and powerful. He regularly sidesteps defenders in space and possesses strong hands in the passing game. Etienne’s attributes were on display in Georgia’s spring game, where he averaged six yards a carry and recorded 33 yards through the air on four catches.
Malaki Starks, defensive back
Malaki Starks played like a veteran from the moment he put on a Georgia uniform. The rising junior finished his 2023 campaign as a First Team All-American by a variety of outlets. Starks is one of the returning defenders for a Bulldog squad that lost Kamari Lassiter, Tykee Smith and Javon Bullard to the NFL and starting linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson to the transfer portal.
Starks is very effective in pass coverage, as his speed and anticipation allow him to track down passes from opposing quarterbacks. Starks displays strong athleticism and is also a physical run defender. He will be a key player on Georgia’s defense that takes on Alabama, Texas, Ole Miss and other potent offenses throughout the season.
Dillon Bell, wide receiver
Dillon Bell is a swiss army knife for the Bulldogs, and his connection with quarterback Carson Beck was evident in 2023. The rising junior played in all 14 games with eight starts and is a playmaker with the ball in his hands.
Bell put his abilities on full display in Georgia’s victories over Tennessee and Georgia Tech. Against the Volunteers, he caught and threw for a touchdown. Bell’s role with the Bulldogs resembles Deebo Samuel’s with the San Francisco 49ers, as he has solid hands and is not afraid to block. Bell’s versatility and playmaking ability will likely have him receiving a lot of snaps for the Bulldogs in 2024.
Anthony Evans III, wide receiver
Anthony Evans III is a name that flies under the radar but can change the trajectory of any game. His speed stands apart from the majority of Georgia’s other wide receivers and makes him an enticing special teams player.
Evans scored his first career touchdown against Florida State in the Orange Bowl on a 14-yard pass from Gunner Stockton. With Ladd McConkey off to the NFL, Evans will likely receive snaps for a Georgia team that likes to utilize many receivers.
Nazir Stackhouse, defensive lineman
Nazir Stackhouse strengthened the Bulldogs’ defense when he announced he would return for his final year of eligibility. Stackhouse’s most memorable play occurred against Missouri when he came 10 yards short of a pick six.
As a nose tackle, Stackhouse anchored the defense. His size and strength allow him to excel as a run-blocker while taking on double teams. His experience and veteran leadership will be beneficial in Georgia’s attempt to limit Jalen Milroe, Quinn Ewers, and Jaxson Dart, while stifling their teams’ rushing attacks.