Caleb Downs and Kadyn Proctor emerge as compelling prospects for Georgia football.
Caleb Downs and Kadyn Proctor, exuding determination, are featured alongside a player silhouette against the backdrop of the Georgia football logo.
The Georgia Bulldogs found themselves just outside the College Football Playoff field last season. With the field expanding to 12 teams in the upcoming season, they aim to avoid a similar fate. Strengthening their roster becomes crucial, and Kirby Smart’s Georgia football program has already made significant moves, securing high-profile transfers like former Florida running back Trevor Etienne.
As the college football coaching landscape experiences a recent flurry of changes, a fresh wave of players is entering the transfer portal. This presents the Bulldogs with another opportunity to land top-tier talent. While the Bulldogs boast a loaded roster, not every available player may crack the starting lineup. However, there are a few notable exceptions that Georgia should actively pursue.
**Caleb Downs, Safety:**
One standout prospect is Alabama freshman safety Caleb Downs. Downs showcased versatility as a true freshman, leading Alabama in solo tackles (70) and contributing across various facets of the game. He forced and recovered a fumble, intercepted two passes (second only to Terrion Arnold), and even returned a punt for a touchdown during the 2023 season.
Downs, a genuine game-changer, could thrive under Kirby Smart’s defensive guidance. Smart’s defenses have consistently ranked among the nation’s best, and Downs, having the opportunity to receive coaching outside of Nick Saban’s tutelage, could further develop his skills. Adding to the appeal, Downs’ hometown of Hoschton, Georgia, is conveniently located less than an hour away from Athens, where the Bulldogs play. Securing Downs would be a significant coup for Kirby Smart’s program, offering a second chance after a missed opportunity in high school recruitment.
**Kadyn Proctor, Offensive Lineman:**
Another noteworthy addition to the transfer portal is offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor, who previously played for Alabama before Nick Saban’s retirement. Proctor, the 10th overall recruiting prospect in the 2023 class, started every game as a true freshman, earning a spot on the All-SEC freshman team.
With Georgia losing offensive linemen Broderick Jones and Amarius Mims to the NFL Draft, Proctor becomes a coveted commodity. Originally committed to the Hawkeyes, Proctor hails from Des Moines, Iowa, making Iowa a strong contender for his services. However, Kirby Smart must work to sway Proctor towards Athens, as he could be a crucial asset in filling the void left by departing linemen.
In the pursuit of Downs and Proctor, Georgia football aims to further fortify its roster and enhance its competitive edge in the seasons to come.
