George Pickens, a play in three acts

Take a look at these three stats, and tell me what you see.

The SEC targets with the most first down receptions entering Week 9

1. J. Ausbon 28
2. J. Jefferson 27
3. J. Jeudy 24
3. E. Moore 24
5. K. Pitts 18
6. D. Smith 17
6. B. Edwards 17
6. Q. Davis 17
6. G. Pickens 17
10. J. Jennings 16https://t.co/nKm7kLOhH9

— Clark Brooks (@SEC_StatCat) October 25, 2019

SEC targets with the highest percentage of catches that result in a first down – min 20 tgts

1. T. Burks 83.3%
1. D. Drummond 83.3%
3. G. Pickens 70.8%
4. T. Grimes 66.7%
4. A. Wagner 66.7%
4. J. Palmer 66.7%
7. J. Ausbon 65.1%
8. A. Smith 64.3%https://t.co/nKm7kLOhH9

— Clark Brooks (@SEC_StatCat) October 25, 2019

SEC receivers with the highest/lowest percentage of their yards coming after the catch – min 20 tgts

Low
1. G. Pickens 17%
2. J. Ausbon 17.3%
3. J. Mingo 19.4%
4. T. Marshall 21.1%

High
1. E. Stove 84.3%
2. J. Waddle 74%
3. C. Johnson 71.5%
4. J. Ali 70.7%

SEC average is 44.6%

— Clark Brooks (@SEC_StatCat) October 25, 2019

Here’s what I glean from them:  the Dawgs aren’t throwing much to pick up first downs, but when they do, Pickens is very productive at converting them.  Beyond that, generally speaking, his receptions are static; he makes the catch, but rarely gets any further.

Whether that’s the result of play design (sideline throws, for example), situations, chemistry with Fromm or inexperience, I don’t know, although I suspect a combination of all that is likely the best explanation.  The thing is, he’s Georgia’s leading receiver and he needs to be more productive.

Another bye week project for Smart’s honey do list, in other words.