We’re only days away from SEC Media Days, the unofficial kickoff to the Southland’s college football season. Soon it will be time to put away childish pursuits like gainful employment and yard work in favor of watching the big Dawgs eat.
But there are a lot of things you need to know before you’ll be ready to take on the upcoming college football season. Today marks the kickoff of our preview coverage with the first installment of a series spotlighting a dozen young Georgia. Bulldogs set to play an increased role in Athens. We begin with a big man with big shoes to fill on the Bulldog offensive line.
As Stacy Searels works to reconstruct his offensive line redshirt freshman Daniel Calhoun is positioned to assume a pivotal role in that strategic overhaul.
The former four star recruit showed some serious potential during his first season in the Classic City. Though his participation was limited to three contests, Calhoun spent much of the season as the primary backup to right guard Tate Ratledge.
Calhoun’s moment of opportunity has arrived with Ratledge’s NFL departure.
When Calhoun initially matriculated in 2024 as an early enrollee, the Walton High standout was listed at a hefty 6’6 and 365 pounds. According to the current roster, that weight has been reduced to 325 pounds, an adjustment that should enhance both his agility and endurance. If that translates into Calhoun being able to maintain consistent effectiveness as a mainstay of the Bulldogs’ offensive front it would be a huge help for the group as a whole.
Calhoun possesses imposing physical attributes that provide numerous advantages stemming from his considerable stature. His exceptional arm length affords him a pronounced reach advantage over opponents. If he gets arm extension and good hip position he’s like 1/5 of a brick wall. You’ve just got to travel a long way to get around a fella that big.
But size can come with its own issues. A foot injury sidelined Calhoun during the final practices of spring. And when young linemen (especially really large ones) start tweaking ankles and toes sadly sometimes it becomes a chronic concern. Bulldog fans will remember that Ratledge himself spent a good bit of time in the training room during his time in Athens, and that ultimately seems to have affected his draft stock (not to mention offensive line chemistry).
Assuming Calhoun has achieved complete recovery from his lower limb problems there’s every reason to expect him to get the opening start at right guard. But if he’s limited by more nagging injuries, that lead isn’t insurmountable.
Technical refinement also remains a priority. While his reach provides inherent benefits, Calhoun’s pad level and footwork (especially in response to second moves from pass rushers) are things I’ll be watching closely. I’m curious to see how he holds up against elite pass rushers from Alabama, Texas and Ole Miss after seeing his most sustained snaps of 2024 against Tennessee Tech and UMass.
I still expect some growing pains for Calhoun and the largely retooled Red and Black O-line in 2025. Still, Calhoun emerged as among the most fundamentally sound of Georgia’s freshman linemen last season, allowing him to earn some valuable snaps and a leg up in development.
Combine that with his raw physical talents and there’s every reason to expect Calhoun to become a fixture at guard, though his size should allow him to move out to right tackle as well should the need arise.
2025 floor: Competing for the starting right guard spot, or heavy backup snaps at guard and right tackle.
2025 ceiling: Securing the starting spot at right guard, earning 2nd or 3rd team All-SEC consideration by season’s end.
Go ‘Dawgs!!!