Georgia freshman quarterback Jacob Eason left a major impression on head coach Kirby Smart after Saturday’s 34-31 loss to Tennessee.

“I’m proud of the kid,” Smart said. “He’s gotta play better and with consistency, but look at what he can do. He’s got composure. He’s got better composure than I do. Because I’m out there ready to lose it on him at times when he’s not managing it right and he just comes right back.”

After a lost fumble in the end zone led to a Vols touchdown, Eason led an 81-yard drive which resulted in a 47-yard touchdown pass to Riley Ridley, which gave the Bulldogs a 31-28 lead with 10 seconds remaining.

Had it not been for Tennessee’s Hail Mary touchdown on its ensuing possession, Eason would’ve been regarded as the hero of Saturday’s game.

“The guy doesn’t think about what he did last,” Smart said. “He moves on to the next thing. He’s just got to play with a little more consistency.”