Kirby Smart said a couple of very interesting things on SECNetwork during a pregame Zoom interview on “SEC Nation” on Saturday morning. The first of those was about the status of 5-star transfer quarterback JT Daniels.

The obvious question? It proved to be gamesmanship at its finest. SEC Nation host Laura Rutledge went hard in the paint a couple of times on the obvious question for Saturday’s season opener at Arkansas.

Smart did not bite on the JT Daniels question. He left his health status very much up in the air.

“JT is not cleared as of now,” Smart said. “He’s with us here on the trip. We’re glad to have him. This kid has worked really hard for this opportunity. He’s been competing with three other guys.”

Was there a chance a medical breakthrough takes place in the next four hours?

“You never know,” Smart said. “The world we live in today you are always measuring things and trying to figure it out. That’s for sure.”

So what did Smart say?

He did laud the talents of redshirt junior Stetson Bennett IV and true freshman Carson Beck as guys who could possibly add to the depth chart for Arkansas. He mentioned their reps and work because no staff really knows what lies ahead in the COVID-19 climate.

But he did share that the starting quarterback decision is known. He made it clear the matter has been settled internally for some time.

“Yeah, absolutely,” Smart said. “I’ve known for a week, a week and a half. The kids have known. The quarterbacks have known. For us, it is really important to go out there and start fast. I’m really excited to see what these kids can do.”