Kirby Smart Discusses Team Thoughts After the Scrimmage of the Georgia Bulldogs.

After a highly anticipated scrimmage that brought the Georgia Bulldogs’ spring football camp to a head, head coach Kirby Smart offered an in-depth reflection on his team’s performance, individual standouts, and areas for improvement. As Georgia continues to evolve from its back-to-back national championship wins in 2022 and 2023, the spring scrimmage served as a critical barometer for the team’s progress and readiness heading into the next season. Kirby Smart, known for his detail-oriented approach and championship mentality, did not hold back in analyzing his team’s performance, focusing on both the positives and the aspects that still need refinement as the Bulldogs prepare for another run at college football dominance.

A First Look at the Scrimmage

The scrimmage, held at the Bulldogs’ practice facility in Athens, was an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess players in a live, game-like environment. For many of the younger players, it was a chance to prove themselves and make an impression on the coaching staff. For the returning starters, it was a chance to shake off the rust from the offseason and begin to build chemistry with their teammates as they prepare for the challenges of the 2025 season.

“I thought we had some good things and some things we definitely need to clean up,” Smart said during his post-scrimmage address to the media. “It’s early in spring, and we’ve got a lot of work to do, but we saw some flashes of the talent this team has.”

With the Bulldogs coming off of an extraordinary two years of success, Smart emphasized that the focus was not just on results, but on the process. “We’re still building, still developing. It’s not just about winning the scrimmage today,” Smart continued. “It’s about laying the foundation for the rest of the season.”

Offensive Performance: The Need for Consistency

When asked about the offensive unit’s performance, Kirby Smart was quick to praise the team’s talent but acknowledged that consistency was still an area for growth. “We’ve got playmakers on the offense, no question about that,” he said. “But it’s about execution, and we need to find that consistency across the board.”

The Bulldogs’ offense, led by sophomore quarterback Carson Beck, looked sharp at times but lacked the rhythm that Smart is known for demanding from his units. Beck, who is expected to take over the starting quarterback role after the departure of Stetson Bennett, showed flashes of his ability to lead the offense, but Smart was clear that there were areas to address.

“We’ve got to make sure Carson’s making the right reads and not forcing things,” Smart said. “He’s got all the tools, but the consistency is what we need to see more of. He’s capable of making all the throws, and we’ve got to make sure he’s staying within the system and taking what the defense gives him.”

Beck’s performance was mixed, with some excellent throws to star wide receivers like Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey, but also some moments of indecision and missed opportunities. The scrimmage served as a reminder that while Beck has a wealth of talent surrounding him, he will need to develop the poise and mental sharpness necessary to lead Georgia to another championship.

The running back room, one of Georgia’s strongest assets, was also on display. Smart highlighted the performance of sophomore running back Branson Robinson, who showed his power and speed in several key runs. “Branson’s an absolute tank,” Smart said. “He runs with an attitude, and that’s something we need in this offense. He’s a great complement to our speed backs, and he’s only going to get better as he matures.”

Despite the positive showings from Robinson and other running backs, Smart made it clear that the offensive line will be an area of focus moving forward. The offensive line, which lost several key players to the NFL, is still in the process of solidifying its starting unit. “The offensive line is a work in progress. It’s the most important position group we have right now. We need to find that chemistry, and we need more depth,” Smart explained. “We’re still figuring out who can step up and fill the roles left by some of the guys who moved on.”

The offensive line struggles were particularly evident in the running game, where the Bulldogs failed to consistently open holes for their backs. Smart’s emphasis on establishing a powerful and balanced offense means that the line’s development will be one of the most critical components of Georgia’s success moving forward.

Defensive Performance: A Championship Standard

If the offense had its struggles, the defense was a different story altogether. As is customary under Smart, Georgia’s defense showed signs of its championship pedigree. The Bulldogs’ defense, which has been a dominant force in recent years, was swarming and relentless in the scrimmage, with defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann’s unit displaying the speed, power, and physicality that have made Georgia one of the most feared defenses in college football.

“We’ve got some young guys stepping up on defense, and we’re really excited about the depth we have there,” Smart said. “Our defense is always a work in progress, but I like the direction we’re heading.”

Smart’s praise was particularly directed at the defensive line, which looks to have some serious depth this year. “We’ve got some guys up front that are hard to block. Jalen Carter may be gone, but we’ve got some other dudes who are ready to step into that role and take over,” Smart said with a grin. “Guys like Zion Logue and Bear Alexander are playing with a chip on their shoulder, and it’s showing.”

Georgia’s defensive front was a force in the scrimmage, regularly applying pressure to the quarterbacks and stuffing running plays. Smart noted that while the defensive line was dominant, it’s the linebacker corps that he sees as the backbone of the defense this season. The loss of veteran linebackers like Jamon Dumas-Johnson and Smael Mondon to the NFL draft left a gap in leadership, but Smart is confident that young linebackers like Raylen Wilson and C.J. Allen can fill the void.

“The linebacker group is really coming together,” Smart said. “We’ve got some guys who are ready to take the next step. Raylen’s physical, and C.J. has a great football IQ. We’ve got a good mix of speed, power, and leadership.”

The secondary, which has been a source of strength in recent years, also looked solid during the scrimmage. The Bulldogs’ defensive backs were aggressive, not allowing the offense to generate many big plays down the field. Junior cornerback Kamari Lassiter was particularly impressive, showing his lockdown ability in one-on-one situations.

“The secondary has a lot of potential, but we’ve got to get better in our communication and coverage,” Smart acknowledged. “There were a few times today where we got a little sloppy, and that’s something we’ll fix. But overall, we’re pleased with what we’ve seen from those guys.”

Special Teams: A Work in Progress

While much of the focus after the scrimmage was on the offense and defense, Kirby Smart also took the opportunity to address the importance of special teams. Special teams have always been a point of emphasis for Smart, and he acknowledged that while the kicking game was solid, there were still areas to work on, particularly in the return game.

“We’ve got to get better in the return game, both kickoffs and punts,” Smart said. “We’ve got some talented returners, but we’ve got to execute better, especially on the coverage teams.”

The Bulldogs are set to have a new kicker this season, as senior Jack Podlesny moves on to the NFL. Smart mentioned that walk-on freshman Charlie Quattlebaum had shown promise during the scrimmage but that it would take time to find consistency at the position.

“Charlie has a big leg, but we’re still trying to find our rhythm with the kicking game,” Smart said. “Special teams are just as important as the offense and defense, and we’re going to make sure we’re as good there as we are anywhere else.”

Looking Ahead: Building Toward the 2025 Season

As Georgia heads into the final weeks of spring camp, Smart’s message to the team remains consistent: the journey is far from over. While the Bulldogs showed signs of excellence in the scrimmage, Smart was adamant that the team still has a long way to go before it is ready to compete for another national championship.

“We’ve got a lot of talent, but we’ve got to put it all together,” Smart said. “The key is staying focused, improving every day, and continuing to build that team-first mentality that has defined Georgia football. We’ve done it the last couple of years, but the work doesn’t stop. We’re not satisfied.”

As the Bulldogs gear up for the 2025 season, Kirby Smart’s unwavering commitment to excellence is evident. With key positions still in flux and plenty of development left to do, Georgia will rely on its leadership, both on and off the field, to continue the success that has defined the program in recent years. The road to another championship begins now, and for Kirby Smart, it’s all about the process.