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SEC football 2019 season preview: Has Georgia closed the gap on Alabama?

By Matt Hicks

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 01: Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jake Fromm (11) passes during the SEC Championship game of the Georgia Bulldogs v Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 01: Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jake Fromm (11) passes during the SEC Championship game of the Georgia Bulldogs v Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Oklahoma Sooners, Alabama Crimson Tide
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 29: Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith (6) stiff-arms Oklahoma cornerback cornerback Tre Brown (6) during the first half of the CFP Semifinal at the Orange Bowl between Alabama Crimson Tide and the Oklahoma Sooners on December 29, 2018, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Breakout Stars

Zamir White, RB, Georgia

White was a five-star ranked recruit by 247Sports Composite in the 2018 class. He was the top-ranked running back and the ninth highest overall recruit. Despite his impressive recruiting profile, White was not needed in the Bulldogs loaded backfield. He redshirted in 2018.

Most expect Swift to take the reins of the Bulldogs offense but there is room for more than one top dog in their backfield. In all three seasons under Kirby Smart Georgia has had at least two running backs with 150 attempts.

Elijah Holyfield’s departure leaves 159 vacated attempts and over 1,000 vacated rushing yards. Sophomore back James Cook should also get some run, but look for White to break out as the next big running back in what has become a powerhouse program for tailbacks.

Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama

Smith certainly is not an unknown among SEC fans. He is, however, consistently overshadowed by his Alabama teammates.

The Crimson Tide offense also features top 2020 NFL Draft prospect and Heisman contender Jerry Jeudy, who caught 68 receptions for 1,315 yards last season. Henry Ruggs III’s athletic ability drives him up in the eyes of scouts looking for more stock in the Alabama offense. Jaylen Waddle won the 2018 SEC Freshman of the Year Award after totaling 45 receptions and 848 yards.

There is still room for Smith to break out as a top playmaker in an offense led by the best quarterback in the nation. The junior wideout caught 42 receptions for 693 yards and six touchdowns last season. He had two games with at least 100 receiving yards last season and caught the eye of many when he pulled in six catches, 104 yards, and a touchdown against Oklahoma in the national championship semi-final game.

Josh Palmer, WR, Tennessee

Senior wideouts Marquez Callaway and Jauan Jennings are already well-known to SEC fans. Palmer, however, may be the player that ends up as the most prominent wide receiver on the Tennessee offense in 2019.

Palmer broke into the Volunteers offense in 2018, his sophomore year. He caught 23 passes for 484 yards, an average of 21 yards/reception. He also caught two touchdowns. Palmer was used on the ground, as well, rushing five times for 27 yards and a touchdown. His momentum continued with very positive reports during spring practice. He capped off his spring performance, and secured his place in the depth chart, with three receptions and a touchdown in Tennessee’s spring game.

The Volunteers offense is expecting to take a big step forward in Jeremy Pruitt’s second year. If that happens Guarantano is going to need to throw the ball more. A connection with Palmer could benefit the pair of juniors for this year and next.

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