Georgia’s Kirby Smart, players discuss spring practice

ATHENS, Ga. – As spring football practice intensifies, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and several Bulldogs players addressed the media on Tuesday, reflecting on the progress and challenges the team faces ahead of the upcoming season.

Smart: “A Long Way to Go”

Coach Smart didn’t sugarcoat his assessment of the team’s recent scrimmage, emphasizing that there’s still significant work to be done.

“We’ve got a long way to go. That was the consensus,” Smart said. “We had a lot of mistakes, a lot of sloppiness. This used to be the first fall camp scrimmage, but now, with 25 mid-year enrollees and six transfers, it feels like starting from scratch.”

Smart acknowledged the challenges that come with integrating so many new players. He emphasized the importance of going back to the basics, saying, “You almost have to start like no one knows anything. Make no assumptions, don’t assume anything, and start all over.”

The Bulldogs’ defense showed some positive signs, especially against the run, but Smart noted inconsistencies on both sides of the ball. “The energy level and the passion on the defensive side were ahead of the offense in the run game, but the offense dominated the red area. It’s not where it needs to be on either side,” he said.

Player Perspectives on Development and Team Culture

Several players spoke about their personal development and the team’s overall progress. Kyron Jones, a redshirt sophomore defensive back, highlighted his growth during spring practice.

“I’ve been going back and forth between safety and our star position,” Jones said. “I think I’ve had a pretty good spring. It’s been productive. The main objective of the spring is just getting better, and that’s what I’m focused on.”

For wide receiver Zachariah Branch, the decision to transfer to Georgia was all about the program’s culture and the camaraderie within the team.

“The culture that Coach Smart and the staff have established is like a brotherhood. It’s not just words. You feel it,” Branch said. “Being surrounded by like-minded players working toward the same goal made the decision easy once I entered the portal.”

Offensive lineman Micah Morris, now a redshirt senior, reflected on the importance of learning from veteran players before stepping into a starting role.

“It was crucial for my development,” Morris said. “Just being able to learn from guys like Jamaree Salyer and Warren McClendon, and then applying what I learned from them to my game. It’s all about patience and preparation.”

Balancing Tradition and Change

With the Bulldogs maintaining high expectations as perennial contenders, Smart spoke about managing player development amid new challenges, including the transfer portal and evolving NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) regulations.

“It’s unfortunate that I don’t know if competitive balance is going to come out of it,” Smart said. “Kids want to make money, and they should, but we’ve got to think long-term about how these changes impact college sports as a whole.”

Some players, like linebacker Terrell Foster, remain steadfast in their commitment to the program despite the shifting landscape.

“It’s Georgia, you know?” Foster said. “You come here to be a good player, and that’s who I want to be. There’s a standard, and if you play to that standard, you’ll be set.”

Toughness and Grit as Hallmarks

Smart also pointed out that embracing the grind is a fundamental aspect of playing for Georgia. Whether it’s overcoming the adversity of tough practices or competing for a starting spot, toughness remains at the core of the program’s identity.

“Kids have to love football and be passionate about it,” Smart said. “If you’re here just for the money, you’re not going to thrive. The guys who push through and compete every day are the ones who will succeed.”

Morris echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.

“You can’t just walk in and be a leader. You earn that,” he said. “It’s all about showing up, working hard, and putting in the time to improve.”

Looking Ahead

As the Bulldogs continue through spring practice, Smart and his players remain focused on refining their skills and building team chemistry. The challenges of roster turnover and the pressure of sustaining excellence are real, but the message from Smart is clear: toughness and commitment will carry the team forward.

For now, the focus remains on the fundamentals, as Georgia prepares for another run at championship glory. As Smart put it, “We’re not where we need to be, but we’re working to get there.”