Georgia has recruited at an elite level under Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs have inked blue-chip prospect after blue-chip prospect but like every other class in the country, each one has had at least a couple of mystery players -- guys who weren't necessarily highly regarded or highly recruited.
UGA targeted one of those early in the 2021 class at a position of need in Javon Bullard. He was Georgia's second defensive back commitment after David Daniel with Kirby Smart and his staff knowing that they had to stock the cupboard at that position.
Bullard offer list was extensive but not necessarily impressive. It consisted of Auburn, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt along with some a mix of other Power 5 and Group of Five offers. The Bulldogs saw something that made them push for his commitment prior to the start of the 2021 season and his ability to play multiple decisions might have been a factor.
"We're excited about Javon," Smart said of Bullard on National Signing Day. "He's a bright kid, great family. Looking forward to seeing him work. There's certainly going to be some opportunities in the defensive backfield, and we're going to have to find out more about him to see exactly where he's going to start off whether that's corner, safety, STAR, nickel, money, one of our different positions, but we're excited about the different things that he brings to the table."
The 6-foot, 183-pound defender is already on campus, joining 15 other 2021 signees to form the largest early enrollee class in UGA history. He was ranked as the nation's No. 638 overall prospect, No. 52 cornerback, and No. 52 player in the Peach State.
UGA needs guys who can step in and help right away. Time will tell if Bullard fits that bill. If he does, it won't be the first or last time that a lesser-heralded prospect was a little better than most thought and the ways in which he could contribute are many.
Like most young players, he can find a role on special teams. The Bulldogs are pretty set at safety with Chris Smith and Lewis Cine projected as starters. Major Burns and Latavious Brini serve as backup options. But there are other roles to fill. New defensive backs coach Jahmile Addae, who takes over for Charlton Warren, has to rebuild at cornerback. The Bulldogs don't have a single start returning at that position and lost its top four options from a year ago.
One of those guys, Tyrique Stevenson, transferred to Miami and was also the team's primary STAR/nickel. He teamed up with Mark Webb to fill that spot and one of them would shift to MONEY/dime in obvious passing situations when UGA would use six defensive backs. Bullard could have a hand in each of them.
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February 07, 2021 at 10:03PM
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Georgia DB Javon Bullard's versatility intrigues Kirby Smart - 247Sports
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