Georgia football: Who replaces George Pickens in Dawgs starting lineup?

To contend for a national title, the Georgia football team must replace its best wide receiver George Pickens, who just tore his ACL in spring practice.

The Georgia football program was dealt a big blow this past week in spring practice, as top wide receiver George Pickens tore his ACL.

While there is a chance Pickens could return at the tail-end of his junior year, quarterback JT Daniels and the rest of the Dawgs’ passing game will have to make up the difference. Even with a strong ground game centered around Zamir White, James Cook, Kendall Milton and Kenny McIntosh, Georgia is not going to contend for an SEC title without an improved passing attack.

The Georgia football team has to replace George Pickens collectively

Though Daniels was developing a great rapport with Pickens in the latter third of the season, he must find a new No. 1 target. The most likely candidate for that is fellow native Californian Jermaine Burton. He has the chance to be an all-conference receiver for the Dawgs, as he really came on once Daniels won the starting quarterback job over Stetson Bennett IV in November.

Burton may have to step up his game, but if we are looking for an ideal body type to offset Pickens’ loss, it might be freshman Justin Robinson. Georgia also needs Kearis Jackson to step up his production, as well as Demetris Robertson to give them close to anything, now in his sixth year of collegiate eligibility. The Dawgs may also need to get back other receivers dealing with injuries.

Georgia had two major injuries to its receiving corps last season. Dominick Blaylock has torn his ACL twice since the 2020 Sugar Bowl vs. Baylor. He missed all of last season with the second torn ACL. Georgia may also want to see if Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint could contribute at some point. He suffered a ghastly leg injury after hitting pay dirt vs. Florida down in Jacksonville.

The good news for Georgia regarding Pickens’ injury is the Dawgs have time to adjust. This will be Daniels’ second season in Todd Monken’s offense. Keep in mind Daniels was coming off a torn ACL last offseason himself, and Georgia was unable to hold spring practice due to the coronavirus pandemic. Because he is the unquestioned starter for the Dawgs in 2021, he has to step up, too.

Ultimately, Burton becomes the Dawgs’ new No. 1 receiving option. Daniels will need to get his entire receiving corps involved, including former five-star tight end Darnell Washington from Las Vegas. With the running game expected to be strong again and the quarterback play to be better, Georgia is in about as good of a situation it could be in to replace its most talented wide receiver.

Pickens’ injury should signify to Burton it is his time to go out and be amazing for the Dawgs.

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