Georgia surprised many of its fans Wednesday when it brought back quarterback Stetson Bennett, signing him to its class of 2019. He'd spent a year at Jones County Community College.

Bulldogs on both sides of the ball are certainly glad to have him return.

“I think Stetson’s a baller. I think he’s a really good quarterback,” tight end Charlie Woerner said. “I didn’t get to see him a ton last year because he was mostly on the scout team doing his thing. But I always had to hear about it in the locker room from the defensive guys.”

Senior defensive end Jonathan Ledbetter certainly remembers Bennett well.

“I hated playing against him. I got juked. He almost broke my ankles,” Ledbetter said. “He’s an undersized guy but he will make everything happen. I love him, I’m glad he’s coming back.”

At 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, Bennett certainly isn’t big for a quarterback, but don’t let his lack of size fool you.

The former Pierce County star drew raves while the Bulldogs were practicing for the Rose Bowl against Oklahoma, where he was credited for providing immense help preparing for former Sooners’ quarterback Baker Mayfield.

“They were saying he’s better than Baker (Mayfield) when we were practicing for Oklahoma,” Woerner said. “They talked about how he gave them a good look and how hard he was to defend.”

Linebacker Monty Rice agreed, adding he always wondered why the former walk-on never received a scholarship to play.

“I don’t know why anybody didn’t offer him when he was coming out of high school,” Rice said. “He gave us fits last year.”

Last year for Jones County, Bennett passed for 1,840 yards with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also rushed for 148 yards and four scores.

“He probably forgot a good bit of the offense since he’s been gone a year, but it shouldn’t take him long to long to learn it again,” Woerner said. “I expect he'll pick everything back up pretty quickly.”

Georgia officials had no immediate word on the whereabouts of senior cornerback Deandre Baker who was not seen at practice Friday afternoon.

A post on Baker’s Instagram page indicated that the South Florida native was back home in Miami, although that was something UGA sports information director Claude Felton was unable to confirm.

Baker was seen at practice by media members on Thursday, and earlier on Monday, preparing for Georgia’s Sugar Bowl date against Texas. There’s certainly a chance his absence could be an excused one.

A first-team All-American, Baker told reporters after the SEC Championship that he would indeed play in the game against the Longhorns.

Running back James Cook and defensive tackle Jordan Davis again missed practice Friday due to injuries.

According to sources, Cook, seen working out in the team weight room, is dealing with a foot injury. Davis is being slowed by what was described as a minor back ailment.

Offensive lineman Solomon Kindley said there hasn’t been a lot of talk from players as it pertains to extra-curricular activities while the team is in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl.

“That’s because it’s a business trip to go down there,” Kindley said. “We want to show what Georgia is all about. If your mindset is on partying, going to Bourbon Street, all that kind of stuff, that’s not for me. I don’t do anything like that.”

Partaking in authentic Louisiana cuisine is another story.

“Oh, I might eat a little bit of gumbo,” Kindley said. “Other than that, I’m just a stay-at-home person. Football, school--I’m in my room.”