Empowering the Team: A Leap Forward with New Talent
As the Georgia Bulldogs gear up for future challenges, their strategic recruitment of experienced players is set to redefine their competitive edge on the field.
Strengthening the Defensive Line
One of the standout acquisitions for the Bulldogs is former Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman, Josh Horton. Despite notching zero career sacks thus far, Horton's potential remains vast. With only eight games under his belt due to injury setbacks, his size and stature are undeniable assets. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 295 pounds, Horton boasts an impressive high school record where he claimed a 7A state championship title alongside recording 123 tackles and four sacks during his senior year. Ranked as a four-star recruit upon graduation, Horton now embarks on a new chapter with the Bulldogs, bringing along three remaining seasons of eligibility.
Horton's journey from Langston Hughes High School has been marked by perseverance and resilience. His ability to recover from injuries and continue honing his skills indicates a promising trajectory ahead. Under the guidance of Coach Smart and the robust training regimen at Georgia, Horton is poised to develop into a formidable force within the defensive lineup.
Elevating the Rush Defense
Another crucial addition to the Bulldogs' roster comes in the form of Army Black Knights pass rusher, Elo Modozie. Renowned for his exceptional athleticism cultivated through track participation, Modozie contributes a dynamic element to the Bulldogs' defense. In his previous tenure with Army, Modozie accumulated an impressive tally of 34 tackles and 6.5 sacks while playing in 25 games over two years. His performances were instrumental in propelling Army to a commendable 12-2 record last season.
Modozie hails from Saint Augustine, Florida, and his physical attributes—standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 245 pounds—position him favorably as one of Georgia’s leading outside linebackers this fall. With two more years of eligibility, Modozie’s presence is expected to bolster the Bulldogs’ defensive capabilities significantly, particularly in areas requiring aggressive pass rushing tactics.
Reinforcing the Backfield
Illinois Fighting Illini running back, Josh McCray, rounds out the trio of impactful transfers joining the Bulldogs. Known for his imposing frame at 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, McCray injects power and versatility into Georgia's offensive strategy. During his junior year, McCray demonstrated remarkable prowess by amassing 117 carries resulting in 609 rushing yards and ten touchdowns, placing him among the top nine scorers in the Big Ten conference.
Beyond his contributions on the ground, McCray also excels in receiving plays, having secured 13 receptions for 116 yards and adding another touchdown to his repertoire. Notably, his standout performance came during Illinois’ Cheez-It Bowl victory against South Carolina when he amassed 114 yards and scored twice in just thirteen carries. Although plagued by recurring injuries that sidelined him in parts of 2022 and 2023, McCray retains a single season of eligibility, positioning him ideally as Nate Frazier's backup and aiding in compensating for Branson Robinson's anticipated departure via the transfer portal.