Bulldogs to lean on defense while finding new QB
Kirby Smart’s concerns about No. 4 Georgia being behind schedule are easy to understand.
The Georgia coach is working to rebuild his offense after the coronavirus pandemic wiped out spring practice.
Smart is trying to find a new quarterback and lead running back. He is putting together an almost all- new offensive line. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are adjusting to first- year offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
Smart’s first two words to reporters following Saturday’s scrimmage were “We’re behind.”
“We have a long way to go,” Smart said. “We looked like a team that didn’t go through spring practice. We looked like a team that is young at a lot of positions. We were really sloppy, to be honest with you.”
There’s also reason for much confidence. The Bulldogs return most of the nation’s top scoring defense in 2019. The stout defense is expected to carry the team while the offense gains steam.
“Guys are more comfortable, playing faster,” said senior safety Richard Lecounte. “Guys are just out there flying around making plays. That’s something you have to be pleased with as an older player to know that everyone you’re playing with on defense knows the system ... and are able to play at a high level.”
Wake Forest transfer Jamie Newman is the favorite to start at quarterback, though Smart said Saturday no leader had emerged.
“I don’t have a timetable for that,” Smart said of naming a starter. “It’s got to happen.”
Another transfer, former Southern Cal starter JT Daniels, has not received full medical clearance in his recovery from a knee injury which ended his 2019 season with the Trojans. Freshman Carson Beck, D’wan Mathis and Stetson Bennett are the other contenders.
Smart tried to give most of the quarterbacks work with the first-team offense. He acknowledged it’s difficult to find firstteam snaps for five quarterbacks.
“I don’t think we’re ready to say where the quarterbacks are in terms of the development and which guys step it up,” Smart said. “The biggest issue with the quarterbacks is the number of reps. You can’t prepare four, five or even three quarterbacks, so that makes it tough.”