DN90: Kirby Smart compliments ‘impressive’ crop of early enrollees

It was a big day for 14 Georgia newcomers as they practiced with UGA for the first time Monday. That’s the subject of today’s DN90.

Although it isn’t completely accurate to call them all “newcomers.” Quarterback Stetson Bennett was previously with the Bulldogs as a walk-on, but is taking his first snaps this week as a scholarship player. UGA coach Kirby Smart said he and 4-star signee, D’wan Mathis would get plenty of reps as their competition vying to become the No. 2 signal caller behind Jake Fromm intensifies in the weeks ahead.

Smart also addressed the status of three injured players — linebackers Rian Davis and Trezmen Marshall and tight end Ryland Goede. They won’t be able to do much this spring, but will hopefully ready to fully participate this summer.

Smart also explained that 5-star offensive lineman Clay Webb will get a look at center — a position UGA is looking to fill in the wake of Lamont Gaillard’s departure.

Webb’s status as a 5-star is a familiar attribute for this group. Webb is one of three former 5-stars in the group of early enrollees. There are also eight former 4-star recruits on campus from the 2019 class — which ranked No. 2 in the 247Sports composite team ranking.

Early-enrollee status can be a valuable asset for freshmen looking for significant playing time in their first seasons, and not just because of spring practice.

The winter workout routines are an opportunity to improve physical condition and impress the staff, and based on Smart’s remarks, it sounds like many of the new faces around UGA have done just that.

For more of what Smart had to say about the UGA early enrollees, take a look at the video linked above.