ATHENS — Georgia football looks to be contenders — not defenders — as it begins its seventh session of spring football under Kirby Smart’s direction.
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This is a new team and new season...contenders..., not same team that won natty...I agree on that point. However, UGA is who people view in general, not specific players...UGA won the crown. UGA now has to defend that position in many minds. Not in Kirby's mind. He sees UGA as a new team in a new season with an opportunity to again contend for the new crown. The goal of a coach is to win the natty....at least it should be. Winning the SEC or Big Ten, etc., is a great step..but the natty is the goal. IM humble O.
With the possible addition of a DT/NG and CB through transfer the '22 UGA D has a chance to be as good as the '21 UGA D by the end of the season. Team will need to be healthy, young LB's will need to step up big and freshmen defenders will have to contribute.
I like the way Kirby demands that his team earn everything. Yes, last year's team won the natty and dominated throughout the season in amazing fashion. No one can take that away from them. But, this year's team hasn't earned that honor yet and Kirby doesn't want anything (even perception) handed to them. They will win it by doing all the dirty work. I am proud of this viewpoint and I think it will serve our current players well - they know anything they get will have to come through hardwork - blood, sweat and tears. I like this mindset.
Great way for Coach Smart to set the tone for the 2022 season. This is a new team and they have to establish their own identity. We'll hear every week "defending National Champion Bulldogs", but the reality is that team played their final game on January 10, 2022. I'm excited about this team and expect them to be like every UGA team and compete every week. They definitely have the talent to be there at the end, we'll just have to see if they have the leadership and mentality.
