Kirby Smart pleased with Georgia’s Progress as Fall Camp Ends

Photo courtesy of UGA Athletics

ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia coach Kirby Smart said Tuesday the Bulldogs have completed fall camp and shifted into a second phase focused on refining problem areas, installing finer points and beginning work on opponents as the season approaches.

“We’re through with what we consider to be fall camp. We finished up practice 15 or 16 on Saturday,” Smart said. “We’re moving on to some special needs areas, areas that we’ve got to work on. Some finer points. Some things we have to clean up before game time, and we’re starting to work a little bit on opponents. It’s the second phase of camp for us that we’ve led into and the school part more than anything.”

Smart said both sides of the ball showed positives in the team’s second fall scrimmage. The offense remained effective and efficient in the red zone while the run game created physical dents in the defense. On defense, Georgia forced turnovers, recorded sacks and created disruption.

“All in all, I thought both sides of the ball continued to get better. I was very pleased with the performance on both sides of the ball,” Smart said.

Smart was particularly complimentary of junior outside linebacker Quintavius Johnson and junior wide receiver Isaiah Canion, who both spoke with the media alongside the coach.

Johnson has grown in leadership and toughness while contributing at both the SAM and JACK positions, Smart said.

“I love Q because each and every day is important to him. He gets better with each and every rep. He kind of embodies the toughness of this organization,” Smart said. “He has a great, durable body. He’s held up. He’s been really competitive.”

Smart noted that Johnson’s background as a high school Wildcat quarterback and MIKE linebacker helped his transition to outside linebacker, citing his spatial awareness, instincts and communication skills.

Canion, Smart said, has blended well into the wide receiver room and delivered a quiet but productive camp.

“He’s worked really hard. He’s relatively quiet, but he plays physical. He plays hard. He plays tough,” Smart said. “He’s not afraid to go down and make hard blocks and dig people out, but he’s also got speed and athleticism to be a weapon on the perimeter. He’s had a really good, quiet camp. I’m very pleased with what he’s brought to our team.”

Smart also addressed several other players. Freshman offensive lineman Zykie Helton has impressed with his energy, toughness and willingness to be coached. Young defensive linemen Valdin Sone and PJ Dean are developing roles, with Sone showing disruption and athleticism while Dean has progressed rapidly after missing time in the spring.

The quarterback competition remains open among Gunner Stockton, the two Ryans (Puglisi and Montgomery), Hezekiah “Buddha” Millender and Bryson Beaver. Smart said all four have taken meaningful reps and that the battle will continue through practice competitions and critical situations.

Smart also reflected on former Georgia running back Nick Chubb’s recent announcement that he is retiring from the NFL, praising Chubb’s leadership, work ethic and resilience through two significant injuries during his time in Athens.

On the defensive front, Smart acknowledged the pass rush is not yet where it needs to be, particularly with Amaris Williams unavailable, forcing the staff to create pressure in other ways.

Smart said senior defensive back Kyron Jones has returned well from a foot injury but remains on a limited snap count. Other veterans, including returning starters, are also being managed carefully with pitch counts to preserve them for the season.

The coach reiterated that Georgia prioritizes in-house support for players, including financial literacy resources, tax services, investment guidance and mental health staff, rather than relying solely on external speakers.

Georgia continues to evaluate its roster through ones-on-ones in practice and scrimmages as it prepares for the start of the season.