The transfer of RB A.J. Turman has become the first true media hurdle for new Georgia coach Kirby Smart.

It was reported earlier in the week that Turman would be restricted from transferring to Florida or Miami, which was a clear shift in policy for the Bulldogs from an open transfer policy that was observed by former coach Mark Richt.

Georgia AD Greg McGarity addressed the program’s altered stance on Friday, and it was Smart’s turn to face the music during his post-practice press conference on Saturday.

Here are the highlights from his comments on the situation:

Kirby Smart addressing the A.J. Turman deal now. Said he originally did not want Turman to transfer.

— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) March 19, 2016

Kirby is pretty well laying the law down about transfers. "We will not release kids to SEC schools unless it is a special satiation."

— DawgPost (@Dawg_Post) March 19, 2016

Kirby said he kept Turman from going to Miami because he wanted to set the precedent of keeping players from going to play there right away

— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) March 19, 2016

Kirby: "Please understand that AJ is going to go where he wants to go. We need AJ on this team. He doesn't want to go to Miami."

— DawgPost (@Dawg_Post) March 19, 2016

Smart said A.J. did not go through any kind of appeal process and never said he wanted to go to Miami.

— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) March 19, 2016

Here’s what Smart had to say on other topics following Saturday’s workout:

Kirby: "I like Jacob’s arm talent. We know that. He can make a lot of throws. He’s still going through the learning curve."

— DawgPost (@Dawg_Post) March 19, 2016

Kirby on Bobo at practice: "It's always good to get opinions from someone else."

— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) March 19, 2016

Kirby: I love sitting in Coach Tucker's meetings. I am becoming a better coach sitting in Coach Chaney's meetings.

— DawgPost (@Dawg_Post) March 19, 2016

Kirby said with RB depth down, there could be a player moving to the position at some point.

— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) March 19, 2016

Coach Smart said filling the depth void at running back will be key for the 2017 class….indicated wants to sign as many as three.

— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) March 19, 2016

Nick Cole

Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.