Georgia reloads for another run

ATLANTA» Even six months later, there was no way for Kirby Smart to dodge the question.

The Georgia coach just knew he would be asked if he has recovered from the Bulldogs’ loss to Alabama in the national championship game.

“Everybody wants to ask that question,” Smart said Tuesday at the Southeastern Conference’s annual preseason media gathering.

“It’s not like I have nightmares about it, no,” Smart added.

Georgia enjoyed memorable highlights in Smart’s second season, including the Bulldogs’ first SEC championship since 2005, a win at Notre Dame and a national semifinals victory over Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl.

The Bulldogs lost their chance for their first national championship since 1980 when Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa completed a dramatic 41-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith in overtime.

It was a crushing disappointment, but Smart said it shouldn’t overshadow the season’s other accomplishments.

“I think we grow from it,” Smart said. “I think the entire season is a learning experience. It was a confidence builder for a lot of guys on our team.”

The Bulldogs must replace such 2017 leaders as tailbacks Nick Chubb and Sony Michel and linebacker Roquan Smith. Even so, there are expectations for another big season.

Senior defensive end Jonathan Ledbetter said it’s important for players to understand another championship run must be earned.

“It’s a little different and I will say it’s a little dangerous,” Ledbetter said. “That thought of complacency starts to come in there. We kind of have to push it out if we hear ‘Oh, yeah, they’re going to win it this year.’ ”

Georgia returns 13 starters, including eight on offense. Sophomore quarterback Jake Fromm has new competition from freshman Justin Fields, one of the biggest names in Smart’s toprated 2018 signing class.

“The momentum we created from last season has been tremendous for us through recruiting, through spring,” Smart said.