Spring football is a time for growth and a whole lot of running. But for Georgia’s freshman wide receivers, it has been more about gasping for air than making highlight plays. However, head coach Kirby Smart is not impressed with their endurance. Well, he isn’t shy about calling them out. With a team in desperate need of playmakers, Smart made it clear—these young receivers have a long way to go.
Kirby Smart Puts Georgia’s Freshman on Notice for Poor Conditioning
When it comes to evaluating his players, Smart never sugarcoats the truth. During a recent press conference, he criticized the lack of conditioning among his freshman wide receivers. This has emphasized that they could barely keep up during practice.
“They’ve got to get in shape,” Smart said.
“They’re constantly tired at practice. They’ve got their hands on their hips, exhausted. I think there’s a little anxiety in that. So it’s not like it’s all, they’re not taking more reps.”
He also added:
“So like the older players might have 25 reps in a practice. They might have 20, but they can’t sustain their 20 reps throughout practice. They get really tired. So, you know, they’re trying. There’s no lack of effort and they’re talented, but they’ve got a long way to go in terms of learning what to do and that’s our job. Our job is to get them ready to go. They are not where they need to be.”
While Smart has made similar comments in past offseasons, this time his words carry extra weight. Georgia is in dire need of reliable wide receivers after last season’s struggles with dropped passes and inconsistency. If these freshmen don’t get in shape soon, it could spell trouble for the Bulldogs’ offense.
The five freshman wideouts in question include five-star recruit Talyn Taylor, along with C.J. Wiley, Landon Roldan, Thomas Blackshear, and Tyler Williams. Unfortunately, Williams suffered torn ligaments in his ankle during Saturday’s practice, ruling him out for the rest of spring training. His absence only adds to Georgia’s growing concerns at the receiver position.
Conditioning Issues Affecting the Entire Team
While the freshman receivers have been struggling the most, Smart revealed that the issue extends beyond just one position group.
“We have a very young, inexperienced group. We really can’t practice to our standard because they’re all tired,” Smart said.
“So, like, we go to practice, and it’s like great energy, great in shorts. Guys learning what to do, and then we start going, and it’s like they can’t go. Tired.”
Instead of placing the blame on his players, Smart took the responsibility. He admitted that the coaching staff must do a better job of preparing them physically.
“So we got to do a better job getting them in shape. We’ve got to probably simplify some to get guys just to go play and not be thinking out there. But a lot of young players, and I need the older players, I mean old to me is year two, year three, that’s old, to lead year one guys. Because I feel like half the roster is in their first season at Georgia. Not necessarily first season in college, but their first season at Georgia, and that’s it’s been tough.
“So we’ve got a long way to go, but I am optimistic. We do have good kids and they do work hard.”
KEEP READING: Kirby Smart Shuts Down GM Talk
The Bulldogs are expected to be national title contenders, but that won’t happen if their offense struggles due to a lack of endurance.
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