Kirby Smart Discusses Team Thoughts After the Scrimmage of the Georgia Bulldogs
After the Georgia Bulldogs wrapped up their latest spring scrimmage, head coach Kirby Smart took to the podium to share his thoughts on the team’s performance, what he saw from the players, and how he plans to move forward as the season approaches. With high expectations for Georgia’s football program—coming off another dominant season and seeking to extend its reign at the top of college football—Smart’s insight into the team’s progress provides a glimpse into how the Bulldogs are shaping up for the 2025 season.
Smart began his comments by discussing the overall energy and competitiveness of the scrimmage. “We’ve got a lot of guys fighting for spots,” Smart said. “There were some really good performances out there today, and I’m proud of how hard the guys played, but there’s still plenty of work to do.” The Bulldogs have been in a period of transition with a number of key players from last season’s national championship team moving on, both to the NFL and to other opportunities. Smart knows that the success of the upcoming season hinges on how effectively these new players can step up and fill the voids left by their predecessors.
One area that Smart highlighted was the performance of the younger players, particularly those on the defensive side of the ball. Georgia’s defense has been a hallmark of the team under Smart’s leadership, and with several defensive stars from the past season now in the NFL, the coaching staff is looking to its next wave of talent to keep the defense among the best in the country. “We’ve got a lot of young players stepping up. Some of these freshmen and sophomores are really making a name for themselves,” Smart remarked. “It’s encouraging to see the depth we’re developing on that side of the ball. We’re just trying to get guys more reps and see how they respond when the lights are on.”
One player that Smart was particularly impressed with was defensive lineman Jalen Carter. Carter, a rising star for Georgia, has shown flashes of greatness, and Smart noted that he’s been working hard to improve his technique and his understanding of Georgia’s defensive schemes. “Jalen’s been a force. He’s one of those guys that is going to be tough to block this year,” Smart said. “He’s really developing into a leader on the defense, and we’re excited about what he brings to the table.”
While Georgia’s defense is clearly a major focus, the offensive side of the ball is also undergoing a transformation. After losing key playmakers from last season, including star quarterback Stetson Bennett and several dynamic wide receivers, Smart emphasized the importance of finding consistency and developing the young offensive talent. “We’re still figuring out who our starting quarterback is going to be, but that’s a good problem to have,” Smart said. “We’ve got a lot of guys who can make plays at that position, and the competition is heating up.”
The quarterback battle is one of the biggest storylines for the Bulldogs as they move through spring practice. Georgia has several candidates vying for the starting job, and Smart has remained non-committal about who will be under center when the season begins. The frontrunner for the job is Carson Beck, who has spent time backing up Bennett and has shown flashes of potential. However, there are several other quarterbacks who have impressed in spring practices, making it a highly competitive race. Smart noted that he is impressed with the progress his quarterbacks have made. “It’s a learning process for all of them, and they’re making strides every day,” Smart said. “We’re looking for a guy who can manage the game, make plays in big moments, and elevate the talent around him.”
In addition to the quarterback competition, Georgia’s wide receivers and running backs are facing some turnover. With the departure of several key players, Smart has placed a heavy emphasis on developing new playmakers who can contribute to Georgia’s offensive scheme. “We’ve got a lot of young talent in that room,” Smart said, referencing the wide receivers and running backs. “The guys who have been here are taking on more leadership, but it’s exciting to see the new faces getting their chance.”
Wide receivers like Ladd McConkey and Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint have been consistent performers in the spring, and Smart has been pleased with their development. However, it’s clear that Smart is looking for others to step up and make an impact. “We need more guys to step into that role and be consistent,” he said. “The talent is there, but they’ve got to prove it in games.”
The running back room is also a key area of focus for the Bulldogs. With the departure of standout running back Zamir White, Georgia will need someone to emerge as the lead back in the offense. “We’ve got some young guys who are hungry and ready to take over,” Smart said. “Kendall Milton is looking really good, and we’ve got some freshmen who are impressing as well. We’ll see who can take the reins when the season starts.”
Although there are questions surrounding the offense, Smart remains confident that the team will come together and find its rhythm before the season opener. “It’s a process, and we’re still learning,” he explained. “We’ve got some young guys who need experience, but we also have a lot of talent across the board. We’re just going to continue to push them and see how they respond.”
Smart also discussed the team’s approach to spring practice, emphasizing that while the scrimmage was an important evaluation tool, the Bulldogs are focused on long-term development. “We’re looking for consistency and improvement every day. We’re not just focused on the spring game or the scrimmages,” Smart said. “We’ve got to get better every single day, both as individuals and as a team. That’s the goal.”
As the Bulldogs move closer to the start of the 2025 season, Smart’s mindset is firmly focused on preparation. The SEC schedule is grueling, and Georgia will need to be ready for the challenges that await them, both within the conference and in their non-conference matchups. With a talented roster, deep coaching staff, and a championship pedigree, the Bulldogs are well-equipped to contend for another national title. However, Smart knows that the road to success is never easy, and the team must continue to evolve if they are to reach their ultimate goal.
As Georgia continues its spring practices and evaluations, Smart remains confident in the direction of the program. “We’ve got the talent, the coaching, and the culture to win championships,” Smart said. “Now, it’s about putting everything together and executing when it matters most.”
The Bulldogs’ focus on development, competition, and attention to detail will be key in determining how far they can go this season. The combination of a strong defensive foundation, evolving offensive playmakers, and a hungry, competitive roster means that Georgia will once again be a formidable contender for the national title. As Smart continues to mold his team, the Georgia Bulldogs are poised for another run at greatness in college football.