One of the most rewarding things as a coach is seeing a walk-on have a breakout game. On Saturday, Kirby Smart got to see that from Mekhi Mews.

Mews, who walked on to Georgia in 2022, had 75 yards and a touchdown on just 3 receptions in the Bulldogs’ season-opener against UT-Martin on Saturday. The game was huge for Mews, who saw very little action last season.

Smart explained in his admiration for walk-ons in his press conference Monday.

“I hold walk-ons in the highest regard,” Smart said. “As we recruit them, we explain to them that they will not be treated any differently. And they’ll be treated just the same and afforded the same opportunities.”

He explained how he approaches team meetings and how his players are all put on the same level.

“When it comes to team meeting, you sit by your class, not your hierarchy in the locker room,” Smart said. “It’s not like there’s a room over here for walk-ons. I hold walk-ons in high regard and it’s very personal to me that they get treated like everyone else. I can’t say that every one of them would say that, but I certainly try to do that.”

Mews was just the latest walk-on to have a big game for Georgia, but Smart believes that can happen every game. He also commended the work ethic he gets from his walk-ons everyday in practice.

“Dan (Jackson) and Mews have been tremendous, there’s another 20 walk-ons that go out and practice so hard every day,” Smart said. “That you don’t get to see. Because maybe they don’t have quite the ability or they’re not quite as far up the depth chart. So I really respect all those guys and it’s a credit to Mews, who came in here and wanted an opportunity to compete, earned it. We saw him in high school and he was high on our preferred walk-on list and he earned it. He came out and really competed and did a great job and I think everybody on the team will tell you he’s earned what he’s gotten with the way he practices.”