The Georgia Bulldogs begin spring football Tuesday, looking for a couple or so offensive lineman and like an entire secondary. Other than that, smooth sailing is expected, which is usually when the Athens Police Department conducts its dark work.
The Dawgs return 15 starters, including nine on Todd Grantham's top-five nationally ranked defense, but attrition has struck the defensive backfield hard. If the front seven can make up ground while the rest gets sorted out, the Dawgs will be deadly again. Brandon Boykin is gone, but Jarvis Jones and others elected to return. Even if Malcolm Mitchell ends up having to play some cornerback, this is going to be a good defense.
On offense, Georgia's without three starting offensive linemen, including possible first-round draft pick Cordy Glenn and anchor Ben Jones. The loss of Aaron Murray's favorite target, Orson Charles, will also hurt. But the offseason chatter around Isaiah Crowell suggests Georgia could get back to its power run-first tradition.
Both Grantham and Mark Richt return with fresh contracts.
Georgia will practice 15 times over the next four weeks. The G-Day Spring Game is set for April 14 at 3 p.m. ET. A special Charley Trippi Day will be held the day before, honoring Georgia's first Heisman Trophy winner and one of the best college players of all time.
For more on UGA football, visit Georgia blog Dawg Sports, plus SEC blog Team Speed Kills and SB Nation Atlanta.