When newcomers arrived at Georgia through the transfer portal, many pointed to the same reason for choosing Athens: a plan. Coach Wes Johnson has built a reputation for connecting with players across the country and adding experience to his roster with a clear vision for their development.
Johnson previously said analytics drive nearly every decision his staff makes. With significant investment in the Bulldogs’ baseball program — including a new pitching lab, advanced camera systems and upgraded training spaces — the staff has tailored development plans to maximize each player’s skill set.
Much of the offseason focus centered on the pitching staff. Joey Volchko, an All-American transfer from Stanford, said Johnson’s vision stood out during the recruiting process.
“It made me feel really confident, and I felt great about my choice to come here,” Volchko said. “He was so passionate about developing us and turning us into who we want to be.”
Johnson’s experience at the highest levels of the sport has helped him make full use of the program’s resources.
“Talking with Wes, he really had a plan for me,” said Stanford transfer Matt Scott. “It makes it seem like this is the right place to go. This is home, you know?”
Johnson has worked with both returning players and newcomers to expand pitch arsenals, increase velocity and improve command. Offensively, Georgia has emphasized an approach designed to take advantage of the short porch in right field at Foley Field. Beyond the metrics, however, players have bought into the direction of the program.
Johnson has led Georgia to the postseason in each of his first two seasons. The offense has drawn national attention, but expectations continue to rise. The Bulldogs have not reached the College World Series during his tenure, a point that has fueled motivation within the program.
Georgia opens the season ranked No. 15 by D1Baseball and features one of the most talked-about transfer classes in the country. After consecutive seasons that ended short of Omaha, a sense of urgency surrounds the program. Players say they believe Johnson’s plan can carry the Bulldogs to the next step.
With the college baseball season set to begin in less than a week, Georgia will soon find out if that belief translates into results.
