Kirby Smart addresses Jackson Meeks growth as a receiver

Wide receiver is going to be an interesting position to watch next season for the Georgia Bulldogs, with head coach Kirby Smart needing some reinforcements for quarterback Stetson Bennett. There are a couple of candidates, with Jackson Meeks having his name come up recently.

Smart was asked how Meeks is developing along during spring practice. He said there are a few plays the wide receiver should have made during practice but is starting to show consistency. Meeks needs to get settled in on special teams first according to the head coach before focusing on wide receiver.

“Jackson is growing, he’s getting better,” Smart said. “He’s been here two years but feels like it’s been shorter time than that. He’s got to get to where he can help us on special teams. He’s gotta be who he is. He’s really physical, strong. He has some balls he probably should have caught the other day. He’d be the first to tell you but he also made a couple of plays. When that happens, I just look for more consistency and contribution on special teams.”

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Meeks played in nine games last season but only had three receptions. He was able to run for 44 yards but did not find the endzone. Most of his work throughout 2022 came on special teams, being a key piece there for the Bulldogs.

Kirby Smart talks Todd Monken, Georgia offense

Looking specifically at the assistant coaching aspect, Georgia heads into the 2022 season with plenty of familiarity on the offensive side of the ball – as offensive coordinator Todd Monken is entering his third season leading the Bulldogs’ unit. As Monken has already had much success since joining Georgia’s program, including helping develop championship-winning quarterback Stetson Bennett, the upcoming campaign should be even more successful for the coordinator as he now has multiple years of experience with the program.

Meeting with the media on Tuesday, Smart revealed how Monken can help Georgia be even more successful as he now enters his third full season with the Bulldogs.

“A plan,” Smart said when asked what going into year three with Monken brings to the offense. “I think a big part of our offense is have an identity, believe in who you are, don’t try to force your players into that, be strong where you’re strong and improve your weaknesses. He knows what he wants to do, he knows how to package plays that work well together. … Be who you are. If your strength’s at wideout, if your strength’s at o-line, if your strength’s at tight end, if your strength’s at running back, if your strength’s at quarterback – use it.

“I think he’s done a good job of bringing consistency in those areas and accountability to that side of the ball.”