Kirby Smart updates progress at offensive guard position

At Georgia readies for a title defense, Kirby Smart has his eyes on his offensive line. During a press conference earlier this week, Smart touched on the progress of various members of his offensive line.

“A lot of reps. I mean, they’ve had a lot of body of work,” started Smart. “Trust, for the most part, last year, you know, double as a guard-tackle. He’s (Devin Willock) continued to double as a guard-tackle with some injuries we’ve had at the offensive line. So, he’s been forced into some tackle reps. But, primarily he’s gotten guard. [Devin] Willock has gotten a lot of guard reps. Warren Ericson continues to get the guard reps there. Although we’ve gotten him a lot of center reps. Dylan Fairchild got quite a few. Micah [Morris] has come on, had some good practices.

“So, it’s a great competition among a great group of guys. And to see what they could do. Devin [Willock] and Xavier [Truss] probably provide us the most size, in-terms of length, girth. Not necessarily all the weight. Micah has done a god job there. And Dylan’s had a sprained ankle, and he’s really competed. He’s had missed a couple practices, and got back out there and pushed through it to the point of getting healthy. So, he’s done a good job.”

Kirby Smart recognizes the offensive line can help Georgia as they look to win back-to-back titles this coming season. Possessing a talented group of athletes, the Bulldogs will be ready for all challenges this coming season.

Kirby Smart shares who has emerged as leaders in spring practice

Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart is looking for leaders heading into the 2022 season. With a ton of the national championship-winning team off to the NFL, it will be a completely new group for Smart, hoping some players step up in the leadership department.

On Thursday, the head coach shared who has emerged as that thus far into spring practice. He was able to name a few names from both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, mainly coming from the line of scrimmages.

“We got a lot of guys stepping up,” Smart said. “I think, Pop is doing a good job stepping up. Sedrick Van Pran, Warren Ericson are guys that continue to lead upfront. I think Robert (Beal Jr.) is trying to take on a little greater role. Kearis (Jackson). Nolan (Smith) has been tremendous at being vocal when things aren’t going right. There’s just a lot of guys. You see can just see them trying to assert themselves and encourage more than discourage.”

Smith could have declared for the 2022 NFL draft and been a high selection but decided to come back for another season and be a real star for the Bulldogs. He finished last year with 53 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, and 4.5 sacks, being one of the best on Georgia’s star-studded defensive line from last season.

Georgia will be looking to repeat this season and staying disciplined with leadership will be one of the main reasons they will have a chance to. Smart seems to be off to a good start, with plenty of experienced leadership stepping up early in the spring.