Georgia SEC championship hero returning for fifth season
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The Georgia Bulldogs are bringing back a fifth-year wide receiver after he earned another year of eligibility. Wide receiver Cole Speer is back, according to Rusty Mansell of On3 (subscription needed).
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Speer was among the players affected by the ruling that provides athletes who were members of the class of 2022 and have exhausted their college eligibility with a preliminary injunction to play a fifth season. Speer didn't redshirt, playing in 15 games in his freshman season and eight games in his sophomore season. As a result, he's earned a fifth season of eligibility.
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Speer played in 13 games as a reserve receiver last season, with his most memorable play coming on special teams. Against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first quarter of the SEC championship, Speer broke through and blocked a punt. That gave Georgia the momentum boost to win 28-7.
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Overall, Speer has just 56 yards on five career receptions, but his expertise has always been special teams. He has eight tackles on special teams.
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The Bulldogs could still use him in the receiver corps. They need a No. 1 wide receiver, and it looks like it could be among Georgia Tech transfer Isiah Canion, Sacovie White-Helton, or London Humphreys.
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Special teams-wise, the Bulldogs retain Peyton Woodring, but they lost Ray Guy Award winner Brett Thorson, with Drew Miller expected to take his place. White-Helton is listed as the team's top punt returner, with Nate Frazier set to return kicks. Still, Speer has plenty of ways to contribute and familiarity with Georgia's system.
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Georgia SEC championship hero returning for fifth season
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