Georgia may have best offensive and defensive player in 2023 per ESPN

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The back-to-back defending national champions have no shortage of talent returning for the 2023 season.

Even without names like Jalen Carter, Stetson Bennett, Darnell Washington and Christopher Smith – ESPN says the Bulldogs might have the best offensive and defensive player next season.

In a discussion among ESPN’s college football writers, one nominated tight end Brock Bowers, the 2022 Mackey Award winner, and another nominated linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson.

“Bowers strikes me as a player who should already be in the NFL but has to stick around the college level for another season. He’ll be working with a new quarterback this fall, but I expect another huge season for the Mackey Award winner.” – Alex Rittenberg

Bowers is considered a top-10 2024 NFL draft pick.

As for Johnson, the leadership and reliability the first-year starter showed in 2022 was undeniable.

“Give me the best-returning defender from the best team in college football. Georgia’s Jamon Dumas-Johnson fits that bill,” ESPN’s Bill Connelly wrote. “He’s strong against both run and pass, and with more pass-rushing opportunities he could become one of the nation’s sacks leaders. On a per-rush basis, he was brilliant.” – Bill Connelly

Both Bowers and Johnson will be pivotal for the Bulldogs as they defend their SEC and national titles next season.

Story originally appeared on UGA Wire