Kirby Smart comments on Arik Gilbert's absence against South Carolina
Georgia was without a notable offensive player on Saturday at South Carolina. The Bulldogs’ loaded tight end room was down Arik Gilbert.
After UGA’s 48-7 win over the Gamecocks, Kirby Smart commented on Gilbert’s absence. Per Jordan D. Hill of 247Sports, the Georgia head coach told reporters that Gilbert did not make the trip to Columbia due to personal reasons.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart asked about TE Arik Gilbert: “All I can say is he didn’t make the trip for personal reasons. We’re hoping he can get back with us”
— Jordan D. Hill (@JordanDavisHill) September 17, 2022
Gilbert, a former 5-star recruit and Freshman All-SEC selection, transferred from LSU to Georgia in the summer of 2021. He was away from the team during the 2021 season. Georgia’s official site shows that Gilbert participated in the Oregon and Samford games this season, but did not record any other statistics.
The Bulldogs had no problems Saturday without Gilbert. Sophomore TE Brock Bowers led all Georgia receivers with 5 catches for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns. Freshman TE Oscar Delp made the first 2 catches of his UGA career, including a third-quarter TD. Third-year TE Darnell Washington had a 15-yard catch.