Georgia Bulldogs 2018 regular season schedule
Sept 1 — Sept. 8 — Sept. 15 — Sept. 22 — Sept. 29 — Oct. 6 — Oct. 13 — Oct. 20 — Oct. 27 — Nov. 3 — Nov. 10 — Nov. 17 — Nov. 24 — lineman Isaiah Wynn and tailbacks Nick Chubb and Sony Michel were among the most significant losses. There may not any players on the 2018 roster as talented as Smith or Wynn, but Smart likes having lots of options to replace the lost starters.
“We’ll have the greatest competition we’ve had since my arrival,” said Smart, entering his third season. “We may not have the most talent that we’ve had, but we’ll definitely have the most competition. And I think competition is what separates you.”
Fields and other newcomers are eager to prove they belong. Fields enrolled early for spring practice and had an impressive Sanford Stadium debut in the spring game. The Fields-led Black team, which included Georgia’s No. 1 defense, beat Fromm’s Red team, with the No. 1 offense, 21-13.
When asked if Fields could start over Fromm, Smart responded with list of other freshmen who could push returning starters. Could Fields or any other freshman start? “Certainly,” says Smart.
It would not be a surprise if a significant role is carved out for Fields, a dual threat as a runner and passer, even if he doesn’t beat out Fromm.
“He’s awesome, just like every other freshman,” said wide receiver Terry Godwin, a senior. “He’s trying to prove a point.”
Smart already has proved a point with recruits. By starting freshman quarterbacks each of the last two years, the message to recruits is clear: The path to playing time is not based on seniority.