Georgia head coach Kirby Smart held his second press conference of the spring on March 18. Here are the key points from his session with the media.
Smart said the team is "a long way from good" after a week of practice. He noted the team has the fewest number of players who have been through three spring practices that he's ever had.
The freshmen receivers were mentioned as a group that is tired often and needs to get in shape. Smart also feels there might be "a little bit of anxiety" among that group. Smart later mentioned that none of the freshmen are up to full speed and in perfect shape yet.
Smart said he spoke to the team after practice today about needing to accept coaching. He feels that is something the team needs to get better at, saying that some players get offended when they are coached hard.
There are "a lot of guys" working at safety. Adrian Maddox, Ja'Corey Thomas, Zion Branch, Jaden Harris, and Kyron Jones were some of the names mentioned. It's a "by committed group" at this point with no one in the lead to start opposite KJ Bolden at this point.
When asked about G-Day, Smart reiterated he wanted to have G-Day, but he can't say for certain it will happen as he considers potential injuries and other things. He said he will see how things go as practices go. As far as not being on television, Smart said that had more to do with controlling the timing of the game and how it is played and not worried about holding up to TV standards.
Sophomore safety KJ Bolden already seems like a veteran for Smart. He doesn't overstep his bounds and "pulls guys in the right direction."
Tight ends Oscar Delp and Lawson Luckie are two of the leaders of the entire team. Smart said he is lucky to have two players who have played as much as them.
Smart said he feels like defensive lineman Jordan Hall is completely back, although Hall might not feel he's all the way back yet. He has had the screws taken out of his legs, so he is practicing better than he did at the end of last year. Smart said he needs to be a big part of the team's leadership.
Smart noted that there are many snaps up for grabs on the offensive line, although he did note that some of the returners have played a good amount despite not starting. The players behind them - Bo Hughley, Jahzare Jackson, Michael Uini, Jamal Meriweather, and others - have to grow up quickly. Smart added he is proud of freshman Juan Gaston Jr. for how he's lost weight so far.
Smart said there are good and bad flashes at the corner position. He noted that all players need to have more of a consistent competitive fire. Daylen Everette is also doing a good job in teaching the younger players as he is limited due to injury.
