Georgia on verge of adding key players to future, striking back in portal season

ATHENS — Kirby Smart said the nature of this 2023 season has been how his program has shown it can take a punch.

But these Georgia Bulldogs also proved they could recover and punch back on the field after spotting five teams an opening drive touchdown.

And now, Smart and his staff might be on the verge of punching back with key roster additions.

A source close to the program said there’s good news coming for Georgia on the personnel front, with key players announcing their return — and addition — to the program.

An announcement from Carson Beck that he’s coming back for another season would be a most important and logical assumption.

Once Beck decides he’s coming back and announces his decision, more dominos will fall as his return at quarterback makes Georgia an immediate championship contender in 2024.

An NFL source told DawgNation Beck has a second-day draft grade from most teams because they want to see a bigger body of work.

Beck announced on Sunday he’s going to play in the Orange Bowl, but one game likely wasn’t going to be enough to raise his draft grade to first round.

Beck’s return could add to the likelihood that Florida transfer Trevor Etienne chooses to come to Georgia.

The gifted former Gator is hunting for a program where he can continue to develop and win a national championship.

There’s speculation Georgia might also be able to keep dominant All-SEC run blocker Tate Ratledge another season.

Ratledge is yet another player who could raise his stock into the first round with a strong 2024 season.