Kirby Smart has good news about UGA RB Nick Chubb's recovery
Georgia coach Kirby Smart spoke with the media as the Bulldogs begin spring practice on Tuesday. Here are some of the highlights from what he had to say, including an update on running back Nick Chubb’s recovery, the Bulldogs’ quarterback situation and more.
Smart informed the media that Ron Courson, the program’s director of sports medicine, says Chubb’s rehab from his knee injury is giving the team plenty of reason to be happy.
#UGA RB Nick Chubb overachieving in rehab, per Kirby Smart.
— Jake Reuse (@ReuseRecruiting) March 15, 2016
Kirby Smart said Nick Chubb has done some cutting. Won't be involved in any team drills in spring. Progressed very well.
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) March 15, 2016
RB Nick Chubb (knee) has started doing some cutting. May be ahead of schedule. Not doing any spring drills.
— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) March 15, 2016
Smart also filled everyone in on who will get first-team reps at quarterback, at least for today.
Today's QB pecking order: Greyson Lambert, Brice Ramsey, Jacob Eason. Will decide reps each day.
— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) March 15, 2016
Smart also answered a few questions about the Georgia football brand and what kind of demeanor he’ll have on the sidelines.
"If we don't have accountability and discipline, we don't have a very good program." – Kirby Smart on his vision for #UGA
— Jake Reuse (@ReuseRecruiting) March 15, 2016
“I’m going to ride the horse that got me here.” – Kirby Smart planning to keep his enthusiasm on the sidelines despite HC role
— Jake Reuse (@ReuseRecruiting) March 15, 2016
Smart also had plenty of personnel updates, including who the leaders are to be the team’s starting offensive tackles.
Kendall Baker and Greg Pyke will be first-team tackles starting out. Isaiah Wynn is at guard.
— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) March 15, 2016
Smart also gave a general view of his defensive philosophy, along with what could be the team’s main concern on that side of the ball this spring and a unit that he’ll have some influence.
Kirby Smart said about 50 percent of the defense will be carryover from what Pruitt ran, but new ideas from Alabama and Tucker also.
— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) March 15, 2016
Inside linebacker may be biggest question this spring. Roquan Smith, Reggie Carter, Shaun McGee dealing with injuries.
— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) March 15, 2016
"I will also have a role in the secondary during individual periods." – Kirby Smart wearing a lot of hats this spring
— Jake Reuse (@ReuseRecruiting) March 15, 2016
Here are a few more notable things from the press conference.
Brice Ramsey will continue to do some punting in practice, Smart said.
— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) March 15, 2016
Kirby said he spoke with Tim Kimbrough about pre-bowl incident. Slate is wiped clean, he's good to go this spring.
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) March 15, 2016
Kirby says Chauncey Rivers is going through a university protocol with his second marijuana arrest.
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) March 15, 2016
Kirby Smart: "We're fired up. Fifteen practices ahead of us." Says team is climbing steps and today is one of many steps.
— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) March 15, 2016
"When we put the pads on, we're going to find out a lot more about this team." – Kirby Smart looking forward to some full contact
— Jake Reuse (@ReuseRecruiting) March 15, 2016