Kirby Smart understands the situation Georgia is in at quarterback with Stetson Bennett having opted to return for a final season in Athens. While the former walk-on could have very well ridden off into the sunset after helping the Bulldogs to a first national championship since 1980, he made the choice to have one last go-around in hopes of back-to-back titles.

And while Bennett is the unquestioned starter behind center, there’s also former 4-star Carson Beck, who signed out of the class of 2020 and came in to relieve Bennett during the Dawgs’ blowout win over Oregon on Sept. 3, and former 5-star Brock Vandagriff, a member of the 2021 class. In this day in age, either player would have every right to enter the transfer portal in hopes of getting extended playing time elsewhere.

But what is Smart’s messaging in that situation, whether it pertains to his quarterbacks or any other player on the roster?

“I think you be very fair and honest. They have to make decisions on what’s best for them,” Smart said on Tuesday, according to 247Sports’ Jordan B. Hill. “My job is to develop those young men. That’s what we promised them to do.”

Georgia hosts Samford on Saturday. If Bennett is again lifted in the event of a blowout, we’ll see if Beck gets the call once more or if Vandagriff can finally see sustained reps in a low-pressure situation.