Talkin’ season is officially over. Thursday marked the first day of Georgia’s Fall camp in Athens. The Bulldogs have high expectations heading into the 2024 season. The player’s names are all over preseason award lists, and the team is expected to contend for an SEC and National Championship. Kirby Smart spent about 20 minutes talking to the media. Here are three keys from his press conference.
It’s time 🏈#GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/ttLNe9HO67
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) August 1, 2024
Georgia’s First Day of Fall Ball
No More Rara
Smart began his press conference by announcing a decision we anticipated last week: Wide Receiver Rara Thomas was officially dismissed from the team following his arrest on charges of cruelty to children and battery. Smith was arrested early Friday on felony charges of cruelty to children and misdemeanor battery. Later that day, Georgia announced Smith’s indefinite suspension. On Thursday, it was confirmed that Smith’s removal from the team was permanent. With the dismissal of Thomas and safety David Daniel-Sisavanh, we hope to focus on Georgia’s play on the field rather than the problems off of it.
“I had a chance to sit down and meet with him face to face on Tuesday which I think was really important to let him know he can no longer be a part of the football team,”
No Take It Easy Pace
“What we do know is that we’ve got a really tough opening opponent and we’ve got a really tough schedule. I don’t know that employing a back off pace, take it easy pace lends itself to success when you’re talking about facing the schedule we have to face.”
College football is undergoing significant changes in 2024, with the playoff expanding from four to 12 teams, potentially leading to some teams playing up to 17 games in a season. When asked if this expansion would affect his practice planning and scheduling, Smart responded, “Many have discussed this. I don’t see much impact on camp. The NFL extended their preseason and added games, but camp remains largely unchanged.” Smart added, “Camp is camp. We might adjust during the season as we get more information and understand its duration, but nothing is certain right now.” Smart and Georgia have their sights set on Clemson. The Bulldogs open the 2024 season against the Tigers on Saturday, August 31, at noon in Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Return of RBU?
“I think we’ve got a room of good backs that are as talented as we’ve had, but inexperienced.”
Georgia’s offense was strong in 2024 but lacked a dynamic running back. To address this, they brought in Trevor Etienne from Florida, a talented back expected to help reestablish Georgia as RBU. “Trevor does a great job of leading that room and holding people to a standard,” said Smart. Etienne, selected as a first-team preseason All-SEC pick at SEC Media Days, brings an edge to the team.
Branson Robinson, who missed last year with a ruptured patella tendon, is fully participating in camp. He will be joined by 240-pound sophomore Roderick Robinson, who will provide a thunderous inside presence to complement Etienne’s lightning-fast home-run threat. Additionally, walk-on Cash Jones adds a consistent, veteran presence to the room.
Last Word on Georgia
Stay tuned to Last Word on College Football for all your Georgia coverage. As Fall ball kicks into high gear we will make sure you have the latest and greatest Smart Quotes. As well as the preseason awards announcements. Athens will not disappoint us. We all know August 31st and the first game of the season will be here faster than the Bulldogs drive. Too soon?
