Kirby Smart addresses backup quarterback, Stetson Bennett's growth

The Georgia Bulldogs are in a good spot with the quarterback position, returning national championship winner Stetson Bennett for the 2022 season. Head coach Kirby Smart has even developed a couple of guys behind him, Carson Beck and Brock Vandagriff, preparing for when Bennett leaves the program after this year.

Smart was asked about all three signal-callers recently and gave updates on how they’re developing. He started with Bennett, where the head coach said the quarterback has made better decisions so far in spring practice. Whether it’s not forcing a throw or making a play with his feet, Smart thinks the game has been easier for Bennett.

“All of those guys have done a tremendous job,” Smart said. “I think Stetson has taken some really quality reps here in the scrimmage. He’s been really consistent this spring. He’s very comfortable and when things break down, he doesn’t have to go make a play like he used to think he had to go make a play. He makes a good throw or runs the ball. And usually, those are two really good possible things Stetson has done. He’s been really consistent this spring. He doesn’t have the snafus we used to have just because he tried to force the ball. He hasn’t done that. It’s come with ease for him.”

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Smart then got into the backup quarterbacks, talking about how much Beck and Vandagriff have progressed over the past two seasons. Both are entering their second round of spring practice, with Beck missing one due to COVID-19, and the head coach is happy where their development has gone after working with both the starters and second string.

“The other two guys have gotten a lot of work with both the ones and twos,” said Smart. “I’ve been really pleased with both of where those guys are. I mean, it’s just amazing how far they have come from this time last year to right now. It’s like ‘oh my God.’ Brock, probably even further. He was a little bit younger. Carson didn’t get that COVID spring so they are both really in their second spring. But they’ve come so far. I love getting to watch them play with both of those groups because you see their strengths when they get to go with those groups. We’re in a good position at that position and each one of them is developing.”

Although there has been some turnover in the quarterback room since Kirby Smart took over, the head coach has to be happy where it is right now. Between having a starter return after winning a national championship and two guys primed to compete for the job next season, things are projecting well in Athens.