‘Long Way From Good’: Kirby Smart’s assessment of the Georgia Bulldogs in the early spring

As the Georgia Bulldogs enter the early spring of 2025, head coach Kirby Smart is taking a no-nonsense approach to assessing his team’s readiness for the upcoming football season. Despite coming off a successful season and retaining the majority of their key personnel, Smart is concerned with the team’s development, particularly regarding depth at key positions. His forthright evaluation, which he calls a “long way from good,” is a stark reminder that Georgia still has a significant amount of work to do before they can be considered a true championship contender once again. Here’s a closer look at the areas Smart is focused on this spring, the challenges that lie ahead for his Bulldogs, and the potential solutions he sees moving forward.

Depth Issues and Roster Development

One of Kirby Smart’s main concerns heading into spring practice is the lack of depth across multiple positions. Georgia has a reputation for maintaining an elite roster, but this spring is shaping up to be different. While they have strong players at the top of the depth chart, Smart believes the overall depth on the team is still a work in progress. He emphasized that the team is a long way from being able to withstand injuries or address in-game situations where depth is crucial.

“This is a team that’s got some really talented guys, but as a whole, we are still building depth at all positions,” Smart noted during a recent interview. “We’re not where we want to be. We’re a long way from being the team we aspire to be.”

This concern is most evident along the offensive and defensive lines. The loss of several veteran players in key spots means that Georgia will be relying on younger talent to step up. The talent gap is something Smart has recognized as he focuses on growing his team through the spring and summer.

The Bulldogs have struggled with offensive line issues in recent seasons, and while Smart has focused on recruiting players to fill those gaps, it’s clear that the cohesion and experience in the trenches are far from what Smart expects at Georgia’s level. The team’s ability to control the line of scrimmage, which has been a hallmark of Smart’s teams in the past, will be critical for their success.

The Quarterback Battle

One of the most interesting developments in Georgia’s spring football practices is the ongoing quarterback battle. While former starting quarterback Carson Beck has moved on, Georgia now faces the challenge of replacing him with either Gunner Stockton or Ryan Puglisi, both of whom are vying for the coveted starting job.

Stockton, with more experience in the system, appears to have the upper hand in terms of familiarity. However, Puglisi, a highly rated recruit, has a strong arm and impressive physical attributes, making him an exciting prospect for the Bulldogs. With both quarterbacks competing for the starting spot, Smart has been careful to avoid showing favoritism.

“We’ve got two guys competing for that spot, and neither one of them has really separated themselves yet,” Smart remarked. “There’s still a lot of work to do at the quarterback position.”

While there’s still time for both players to prove themselves, the quarterback battle is likely to be one of the defining storylines of Georgia’s spring practice. The development of the quarterback position is vital for the Bulldogs as they move forward into the 2025 season, where they will face some of the most challenging teams in college football.

Wide Receiver Challenges

The wide receiver position at Georgia has long been a source of frustration for many fans, and it continues to be an area Smart wants to improve. Despite boasting an impressive roster of talent, the Bulldogs have struggled with consistency in the receiving game. Drops have plagued the team in recent seasons, and Smart is determined to address this problem through improved coaching, better player development, and the addition of fresh talent.

Georgia has made significant strides in recruiting to enhance their wide receiver corps. Six new players have joined the team, and among them are highly touted freshmen Talyn Taylor and CJ Wiley, as well as transfer Noah Thomas from Houston and Zachariah Branch, a former top recruit from Southern California. The influx of new talent is expected to help provide more stability and consistency to the receiving game.

Smart acknowledged that the wide receiver position has to improve for Georgia to stay at the top of the college football landscape.

“We’ve had some guys who’ve been really good, but we need more guys who can make plays in big moments,” Smart said. “We’ve got a lot of guys competing for spots in the receiving corps, and we’re hopeful that these new additions can help give us a lift in that area.”

Rebuilding the Offensive Line

With the departure of four key starters from last season’s offensive line, Georgia is faced with the challenge of rebuilding one of the most important units on the field. However, Smart believes that the team is equipped with young talent who will help create a more solid foundation moving forward.

One of the players Smart is particularly excited about is Micah Morris, a player who impressed during his time in limited action last season. Morris brings both a high level of physicality and the necessary skills to anchor the offensive line. While there are still some growing pains to work through, Smart has been vocal about his expectations for the offensive line’s growth and improvement over the next few months.

“Our offensive line is one of the areas where we’re going to see a lot of development this spring,” Smart explained. “We’re working hard to get guys like Micah ready to step into starting roles, and I have faith in their ability to get the job done.”

Defense: A Year of Transition

While Georgia has long been known for its powerful defense under Smart, 2025 will mark a year of transition. The Bulldogs lost several key players from the previous season, including standout defensive linemen and secondary players. However, Smart is confident in the future of Georgia’s defense, with several young, promising players stepping up to fill these gaps.

A particularly intriguing player on the defensive side of the ball is freshman Elijah Griffin, a five-star recruit who is already making waves in spring practices. Griffin’s size, strength, and athleticism make him a valuable asset to Georgia’s defensive front. Smart sees Griffin as a potential future star and a key contributor for the Bulldogs in 2025.

The defensive backfield, led by cornerback Julian Humphrey, is another area Smart is watching closely this spring. Humphrey is known for his elite speed, and he’s been making strides to improve his technical skills, which will be crucial for Georgia’s success in the secondary this season.

Off-Field Issues and Player Discipline

As Georgia continues to develop its roster, Smart has also had to contend with off-field issues related to discipline. Multiple players have been involved in legal troubles or disciplinary infractions in recent months, which has put a strain on the team’s culture. However, Smart has made it clear that there is zero tolerance for behavior that undermines the team’s standards.

“Off-field issues have been a concern, but we are taking every step to address them,” Smart said firmly. “This is a program built on discipline, and if players don’t meet those standards, they won’t be part of the team.”

Smart’s tough stance on player conduct is intended to foster an environment of accountability and respect within the locker room. This kind of leadership is vital for maintaining Georgia’s competitive edge and ensuring that the players are focused on what matters most—winning games.

A Challenging Schedule Ahead

The 2025 SEC schedule presents a formidable test for Georgia, with road games against perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Texas, and Ole Miss. Smart is fully aware of the tough road ahead and is using the spring practices to prepare his team for the challenges that will come later in the season.

“We’ve got a tough schedule ahead, but that’s the reality of being at a place like Georgia,” Smart said. “We want to be tested. We want to be ready for every game, and we know that starts now.”

A Long Way From Good, But Hopeful

In the early spring, Kirby Smart’s assessment of the Georgia Bulldogs reflects the reality that, despite a wealth of talent, there is still much work to be done. The team is a “long way from good,” as Smart candidly put it, but he remains hopeful that through hard work, discipline, and the development of young talent, Georgia will be in a strong position when the season kicks off.

As the Bulldogs head into the heart of spring practice, all eyes will be on the quarterback competition, the rebuilding of the offensive line, and the development of new players to fill key roles. If Smart and his staff can overcome these challenges, Georgia could once again emerge as a contender for a national championship. But for now, they remain focused on the task at hand—improving every day and working towards a future that, while not yet “good,” certainly has the potential to be great.