Kirby Smart updates status for trio of Georgia freshmen

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart joined the SEC Coaches teleconference call on Wednesday and was asked about a couple of Bulldog freshman that didn’t play this past Saturday. Wide receiver C.J. Smith and outside linebacker Darris Smith did not dress out due to injury while defensive lineman Bear Alexander was in uniform but didn’t step foot on the field. According to Smart, all three are fine and back in business this week.

“Yeah, CJ Smith’s got an ankle sprain. It happened during Tennessee week of practice,” Smart shared. “He should be fine. He’s running and conditioning, trying to get back. Darris is practicing with us and doing everything now.”

Asked about Alexander and whether he was dealing with an injury, Smart simply said, “No, Bear’s fine.”

C.J. Smith has appeared in two games this season for Georgia (Samford and Auburn) without recording a stat. The Mt. Dora (Orlando, Fla.) product was one of four wide receivers that Georgia signed in the Class of 2022 and the No. 311 overall player in the country per the On3 Consensus.

Darris Smith has seen action in six of nine games so far this season primarily on special teams. He had tackles in each of his two games prior to the injury suffered against Florida, one that Smart described as a head injury. On3 was highest among all the recruiting industry rankings on Smith, shooting him into the top-100 after late evaluations ahead of his February signing with the Bulldogs.

Bear Alexander has been among the most productive freshman for Georgia this season, playing in seven of nine games. He did not see action in the opener against Oregon, but since then had played in all outings for the Bulldogs until this past Saturday. Alexander stepped into a larger role with Jalen Carter banged up and has totaled five stops, five hurries and two pass breakups. He was a top-50 player in the country per the On3 Consensus coming in at No. 43 overall and No. 7 among defensive linemen.

What Else Was Said

Opening Statement

“Yep, our guys are busy at work, getting ready to go to Starkville and play in a really tough environment, one I’ve been in many times, and play against a really different offense and defensive system. Our guys are excited to go play.”

On Smart’s reaction to being ranked No. 1 in the CFP rankings

“I had no reaction. I hadn’t — I didn’t even see it, to be honest with you. We worked pretty late on Tuesday, so.”

On Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint’s TD against Tennessee

“He’s done a great job. He’s one of the most competitive, best guys that works really hard. He does a great job every day for us. I know that was rewarding for him. It was a hell of a throw and a catch. I’m really proud of everything he’s done from a leadership standpoint for our team.”

On Mike Leach at Valdosta State

“No, he wasn’t directly recruiting me. He was on the staff. Their defensive coordinator was recruiting me. He was on their staff there for a while. He and I have spoke about that a couple times. But it wasn’t a direct interaction with him.”

On the Mississippi State defense

“Physicality, aggression. They understand their system. They get after the quarterback. They do a really good job of mixing things up.”

Georiga goes on the road this week to Mississippi State to take on the Bulldogs led by Mike Leach. Kickoff time from Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville is set for 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN. Georgia can clinch the SEC East and their spot in the SEC Championship Game for the fifth time in six season with a win.