Trenton Thompson’s unexpected appearance at Georgia’s Pro Day on Wednesday was the first visible sign that the reigning Liberty Bowl MVP was well on his way to returning to the Bulldog program. According to his head coach, that is indeed the case.

While addressing reporters at UGA’s Pro Day, Kirby Smart was asked about his star defensive lineman.

“He’s doing very well, very pleased with his progress,” Smart answered when asked about Thompson’s progress. “He continues to get better, and that’s the biggest thing for us right now. It’s a day by day process, rehabbing the shoulder, making sure he’s well. He’s done a really good job of that. He’s increased his weight.”

Smart was then asked what Thompson was allowed to do, considering he is not currently enrolled in school in Athens. It was at this point Smart confirmed that Thompson would not participate on the field for Georgia this spring.

“He’s allowed to rehab,” Smart said. “There’s some waivers in process so that he can attend meetings. Obviously, he won’t participate in the spring, but he wasn’t going to do that anyway — with his (injured) shoulder. So the biggest component for him right now is from a health concern and also from a rehab concern.”

Smart sounded upbeat when asked if the big lineman would return to the team this summer.

“Hopeful, yeah, hopeful,” Smart answered before talking about Thompson’s appearance at Pro Day. “I think it gives him some normalcy, that’s what he’s looking for, normal routine, getting back on that routine.”

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