Here is the Sept. 22 edition of The Daily Recap presented by JFQ Lending.
A new offensive identity?
Georgia will kick off its 2020 season on Saturday against Arkansas with no one outside of the program truly knowing what the offense will look like. The players themselves, however, seem pretty excited to showcase what the team has been working on since practice was able to resume.
“It’s all coming together,” receiver Kearis Jackson said. “This week, we actually get to put it all together against another team instead of going against our savage defense every day. It’s time to face somebody different. I’m pretty sure all my teammates are excited to play a different opponent.”
Uncertainty at the quarterback spot
Kirby Smart said he hopes JT Daniels will be cleared for contact in time for Saturday’s game against Arkansas. Smart also didn’t reveal who would open the season as the starter at quarterback.
With Daniels not cleared, sources told UGASports.com that both D’Wan Mathis and Carson Beck repped with the first team last Friday.
“I'm excited about the guys who have competed. They've all done a good job,” Smart said. “They've all taken reps. Stetson, Carson, JT and D’Wan have all done a good job, and I'm excited to see those guys go out and play.”
Of course, there is still a little uncertainty as to who will start. And that’s probably the way Smart wants it to be.
Insider notes
Speaking of quarterbacks, Radi Nabulsi gives a prediction -- based on what he has heard -- as to who will be the starter on Saturday. However, this is an insider note so you must be a UGASports.com subscriber to read. If you haven’t subscribed, you can do so today by clicking here.
News and notes
Anthony Dasher compiled a lot of notes from Georgia’s media day.
-Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman has nothing but respect for Smart and the Georgia program.
“I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, but I was nervous when I was an O-line coach too. It being against Georgia,” Pittman said. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think Georgia would be the first team we play. I learned a lot from Kirby Smart, and he was very, very good to me. Without that, I wouldn't be the head coach at Arkansas. Am I nervous? Yes. They're an outstanding football team."
-Smart also feels pretty good about where things stand on the depth chart with his receivers. He was asked about Demetrius Robertson taking on a bigger role as a senior.
“I’m excited for D-Rob. He’s a player who's improved throughout his time here. He came in and probably wasn’t as physical as he’d like to be, in terms of the SEC,” Smart said. “He’s gotten faster, stronger, bigger—he’s able to do more things. He certainly understands our system. He’s a good leader. He helps on special teams. I’m excited to see what he does this year. I’m excited to see all those wideouts.”
-Smart also said he hasn’t reached a final decision on the battle for place-kicker between Jared Zirkel and Jack Podlensy.
“As far as placekicking, it’s still not final,” Smart said. “The kickoff duties—we’ve got a good competition going that’ll probably go all throughout this week.”
Burton and that lightning fast speed
Freshman receiver Jermaine Burton has showcased his speed throughout the preseason. While Smart said he still has a lot to learn, there is a chance for the young wideout to see plenty of playing time against Arkansas.
He’s certainly done his part to impress his teammates throughout the preseason.
“Jermaine’s really fast—lightning fast,” tight end John FitzPatrick said. “He catches the ball well. He runs routes well. He also wants to work on the little things, just like everyone else. You see him after practice, before practice. He’s a great player.”
‘It’s been a long time coming’
To watch videos from Kearis Jackson, Monty Rice, Trey Hill and Jermaine Johnson, click here.
Ground game strong
Game week
Threads to check
@MuLLLenAintSmart wants to know what you think the first play of Saturday’s game will be.
@CoastalVADawg notes that Air Force has honored the Tuskegee Airmen.
Outside the Vent
Ten key prospects who left Georgia for college.
After its win over Louisville, is Miami back?
Mike Norvell will coach virtually while in quarantine due to testing positive for Covid-19.
The AP top five remained unchanged in the final poll before Big Ten teams are once again included.
Jackson State has hired Deion Sanders to be the program’s new head coach.
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