Georgia head coach Kirby Smart held his third press conference of the spring on March 25. Here are the key points from Smart's session with the media.
Guard Daniel Calhoun will miss the rest of the spring with a foot injury. Smart said it's not major, but will cost him the next few weeks.
Smart said the new assistants John Lilly and Phil Rauscher will help out the offensive staff.
Smart said he is disappointed in Nitro Tuggle and Marques Easley after their driving-related arrests last weeks. He said they are young players who made "crucial" mistakes. Smart added he and the administration continue their education efforts related to reckless driving. Smart also said he doesn't believe in "ultimatums" when it comes to punishments and each incident will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.
The practices have been better since Smart's "long way from good" comments last week. There has been a big emphasis on running and stopping the run since the team lacked in both of those areas last year.
Smart is proud of where KJ Bolden is, but the sophomore safety needs to be careful to avoid complacency and keep trying to get better.
Smart has a new ritual where he asks players after practice who practices the hardest. Chris Cole and Justin Williams have both been mentioned multiple times by their teammates. Smart added that he feels passion and fire have been missing a bit across college football, so he and the staff are trying to identify those types of players this spring.
Williams was singled out by Smart as one of the most positive players he has ever been around. Smart also said he is the type of "alpha" needed at the inside linebacker positions. Williams is also working on adding more weight.
Ryan Puglisi has taken some reps with the first-team at quarterback. Both he and Gunner Stockton have been doing well. Smart added that it's a huge benefit to Stockton to now be in his fourth spring in the program.
Smart wants Quintavius Johnson to be ahead of where he actually is at outside linebacker, but Smart added that it's not Johnson's fault because he just hasn't been in college that long. Smart made sure to mention he is proud of him, but he needs to keep getting better.
Neither Branson Robinson or Roderick Robinson have been able to do much at running back so far this spring. They're not doing 11-on-11 or 7-on-7, but they are working off to the side. Chauncey Bowens and Dwight Phillips have been "bright spots" at running back with them out. Dillon Bell has taken a few reps at running back as well.
Center Drew Bobo is "fun to coach." Smart said he is the only player on the offensive line that always gets 30 or 40 yards down the field. He's continuing to work on his strength and power. He, Earnest Greene, and Micah Morris are the ones setting the standard for the offensive line.
With the receivers, Smart said the body language has occasionally driven him nuts. But they're getting better day-by-day. Smart also mentioned Landon Roldan, Tyler Williams, and Colbie Young as players who have been banged up. Smart wrapped up by saying he does really like that group.
Smart believes punter Brett Thorson will be ready for the start of the season.
Corner Ellis Robinson has been practicing well. Smart likes his competitive fire. He, Daniel Harris, and Demello Jones have all rolled in with the first unit at times.
