Georgia Bulldogs open spring football practice

ATHENS – The Georgia Bulldogs took the field Tuesday to begin spring football practice, kicking off preparations for the 2025 season. Head coach Kirby Smart, along with linebacker CJ Allen, linebacker Raylen Wilson, and offensive lineman Earnest Greene III, met with the media to discuss the team’s early progress and approach to spring workouts.

With roster turnover and key position battles ahead, Smart emphasized the importance of player development and maintaining the program’s standard of excellence.

“We’ve got a lot of new players. It feels like more new players than ever before,” Smart said. “We pride ourselves on retention and stability, but the foundation of this program is built through high school recruiting and bringing in good kids who develop into great football players.”Evaluating Areas for Improvement

Coming off an SEC Championship, Georgia spent the offseason reviewing what worked and where adjustments are needed.

“Every year, we ask, ‘How do we get better?’” Smart said. “The first way is through recruiting and talent acquisition. The next is self-assessment—analyzing what we did well and what needs improvement. Special teams was a big emphasis this offseason. We spent a lot of time studying ourselves and what successful programs are doing.”

One of Georgia’s biggest additions this offseason has been in the receiving corps, with transfers Noah Thomas and Zachariah Branch expected to provide immediate help.

“They’re high-caliber athletes and high-caliber people,” Smart said. “The Branch brothers bring great energy to our workouts, and Noah has already proven himself in the SEC. Now, it’s about going out and proving it on the field.”Adjusting to Leadership Roles

For returning players like linebacker CJ Allen, stepping into a leadership role has been an adjustment, but…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/georgia-bulldogs-open-spring-football-035900534.html

Author : The Albany Herald, Ga.

Publish date : 2025-03-12 03:59:00

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