ATHENS, Ga. — The spring football session ended on a cold, damp, windy Saturday with action between the hedges in the Georgia Bulldogs’ annual G-Day spring game. But in all actuality, the spring game is not much more than a glorified practice. But the extra hype around spring ball always begs for extended analysis. So after waiting a couple of days to avoid being a prisoner of the moment, here are five things learned from an overall solid day for Georgia football as we put the pads away until fall camp:

 Georgia’s running back core is a deep as ever.

Often dubbed “RBU,” the University of Georgia is known for perennially housing one of college football’s most prolific backfields. This year has potential to be one of its strongest years. Losing Elijah Holyfield to the NFL draft is, of course, a big loss, but D’Andre Smith and Brian Herrian, the two featured backs for the Dawgs, have plenty of game experience from last year. Right on their tails are James Cook and transfer KJ McCoy, who had 16 and 28 yards rushing, respectively, for the Black Team. This list doesn’t even include former five-star recruit Zamir White, who is otherworldly talented, but can’t even get on the field amongst such a deep backfield. It’ll be interesting to see, moving forward, if he can find his way into the rotation as the season goes. 

Former Newton Ram Jeremiah Holloman may become UGA’s featured wide receiver.

Holloman received extended playing time on last year’s squad, ending the year as one of the Dawgs’ usual starters. Holloman caught 24 passes for 418 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore in 2018. But if G-Day is any indication, Holloman could quickly become Georgia’s number one target during the season. He is one of Georgia’s most experienced returners as there are only two other upperclassmen who have had extended playing time, the others being: senior Tyler Simmons and junior Demetris Robertson. Holloman started G-Day and played the majority of the game. He posted three catches for 54-yards, including what proved to be the game’s winning score on a 43-yard catch.

Former Eastside Eagle Eric Stokes looked like the Dawgs’ number one corner at times.

Upon his arrival in Athens, Eric Stokes boasted huge potential, standing at a rangy 6-foot-1 and boasting a 4.3-second time in the 40-yard dash. He just needed to add some weight and develop traditional DB skills. Two years later, Stokes has grown into his long frame and has the smooth technique needed to lockdown the SEC’s best. He ended last season with 20 total tackles, including 16 solo stops and nine pass breakups while mirroring potential top 10 NFL draft pick Deandre Baker at corner. That experience granted him invaluable experience at the highest level. His G-Day showing was impressive: 4 tackles 2 PBU and a 39-yard pick six that he wrestled away from Holloman during the game’s first drive.  

With no perceived QB battle, Jake Fromm can now continue confidently as No. 1 signal caller.

Last year you couldn’t say Jake Fromm’s name without mentioning his shadow, Justin Fields. Fields is now at Ohio State, giving Jake Fromm the freedom and confidence to finally be the entrenched starting quarterback Georgia needs him to be. His spring game numbers were respectable, 14-of–29 passing for 116 yards with one TD and one pick, but his general demeanor tells a deeper story. Forcing balls into tight windows and not being afraid to make mistakes shows his confidence as he enters his third year under center for the Dawgs. If his confidence translates, Georgia fans will be very happy with their season and Fromm will become a very rich man in the coming years. 

There is no QB battle, but Georgia has two special young quarterbacks in their locker room.

Last year it was apparent, but this year a bit more subtle. Georgia has two excellent quarterbacks. Fromm is apparent, but 6-foot-6 freshman D’Wan Mathis showed flashes of his potential. With almost identical numbers to Fromm, Mathis went 15-28 for 113 yards and one pick. He also rushed nine times, including a long 20 yards run. His legs and efficiency provide the Dawgs with a valuable asset for the coming years. With Fromm poised to have a breakout year, Mathis may be the guy next year should Fromm bolt for the NFL. Stetson Bennett, a former UGA player who transferred to Jones County (Mississippi) Junior College last year, came back to the Bulldogs and turned in an 8-for-14, 128-yard passing performance with a touchdown. The talent behind Fromm is young, but promising.