As expected, the subject of possible opt-outs was a popular topic of conversation during a Saturday night Zoom call with head coach Kirby Smart.

It wasn't a subject he especially cared to discuss.

“I want to talk about Cincinnati tonight. I’m really worried about the guys who are here, not the ones who aren’t,” Smart said. “That’s my focus. For whatever reason, everybody wants to write the story about the ones who aren't. But really, the focus and attention should be on the ones who are, in my opinion. So, that’s where my focus is.”

Still, Smart did have news to reveal.

Topping the list is redshirt sophomore Azeez Ojulari, who Smart said will play in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl after all. It appears Ojulari changed his mind since last week.

Another key player—safety Richard LeCounte—also hopes to play for the first time since suffering a concussion, along with injuries to his ribs, during his motorcycle accident following Georgia’s win at Kentucky almost two months ago.

Smart also confirmed a UGASports report that safety Mark Webb will play in the Peach Bowl.

“I’m focused on Cincinnati—Cincinnati and COVID. Those are the opponents we're dealing with right now. That's what we're really focused on: the guys who are here to try and play in the game. I’m excited to see a lot of those guys,” Smart said. “You guys keep listing that Mark Webb isn't going to play. I don't know why people keep listing his name. Richard LeCounte’s trying to do everything he can to play in the game. He's been battling to come back. He's been at every practice; he's been at every rehab session. For whatever reason, there’s a lot of bad information out there.”

Others, Smart confirmed, will not.

That list includes senior right guard Ben Cleveland, tight end Tre’ McKitty, linebacker Monty Rice, and junior cornerback Eric Stokes, who's leaving a year early to apply for the NFL Draft.

Smart didn't mention cornerback D.J. Daniel, but sources maintain he won't play in the game.

"Those would be the four that, right now, I don't think are going to play. Tre' obviously has the senior bowl, and Tre' was also dealing with a knee all year. He had a knee injury right before the season that slowed him down, and Ben has been dealing with a shoulder,” Smart said. “Ben's played a lot of football with us. Monty's had a foot injury he's pushed through with, ever since Alabama, and he's been trying to prepare to get ready for the Senior Bowl. He has a bright future ahead of him, but he hasn't been able to practice."

Smart didn't sound worried regarding who might replace the absent players.

“Monty hasn't been in every play of the year. He's had to rotate quite a bit this year. I don't know if you've noticed, but Quay (Walker) and Nakobe (Dean) have played a large amount. There are two or three games that Monty went in, just to spell them, because he was doing all he could to help the team and wasn't able to go full speed,” Smart said. “Channing (Tindall) has played more. Nakobe, Quay, Rian Davis, Nate McBride—all those guys have gotten more opportunities, and they'll continue to.”

Ditto for cornerback.

"Same goes at DB. We've had other guys have to go in and play corner. Ameer Speed has played some corner; Jalen Kimber, Daran Branch has grown up and started to play more,” Smart said. “Those guys have got to step up and be able to play in Stokes' shoes."

…On the injury front, Smart said center Trey Hill won't be able to play, as he still hasn't sufficiently recovered from his recent arthroscopic surgery on both knees.

"No, not likely to play in the bowl. He's doing really well. He's moving around on his own,” Smart said. “He's comfortable walking around. He had both of those knees scoped, and he's rehabbing with Ron (Courson). He's doing weight-bearing exercises now, but he's not going to be cleared for the game."