The anticipation for the 2024 college football season is gradually building, and the Georgia Bulldogs are hoping to reclaim their place at the top. They return Carson Beck, their primary quarterback, and some other key components on offense, making the Dawgs a tough out. However, one receiver in particular is likely the most significant returnee within the position group, and the quarterback-receiver combination could be one of the finest in college football.
CBS’s Chip Patterson posted an article about the top 10 quarterback-wide out combinations in college football. Georgia’s list included Beck and Dillon Bell.
Georgia lost three of its top offensive contributors from last season to the NFL draft this offseason. Brock Bowers, Ladd McConkey, and Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint all advanced to the professional level. Those departures prompted the Bulldogs to search the marketplace for a few receivers to add depth, but the cupboard was not completely bare.
Throughout the 2023 season, offensive coordinator Mike Bobo used Bell in a variety of ways on offense. Despite his wide receiver position, he concluded the season with 25 carries and 157 rushing yards. However, it wasn’t until the fourth quarter of the season that Bell demonstrated his complete skill set.
Against Tennessee, Bell had five receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown. He also had a touchdown versus the Volunteers. Bell subsequently had another outstanding performance against Florida State in the Orange Bowl, with five receptions for 86 yards. As the season continued, it appeared like Beck was glancing Bell’s way on a more frequent basis, and the two began.
As previously stated, Georgia’s receiving game lacks output from last year’s offense, but Bell appeared to be someone who could bear the weight for the Bulldogs down the stretch of a season. Bell has been described by Patterson as, “a multi-purpose threat who got moved all around the offense in his sophomore season, where he showed not only unique athleticism but the ability to make tough catches against quality competition.”
