ATHENS — Georgia opened up practice on Sunday at Sanford Stadium and Kirby Smart and his Bulldogs didn’t hold anything back.

It was one practice of many, and there was no benefit of film study or “All 22” field view from the end zone, but certain players and position groups jumped out.

The fact Georgia might have the best secondary in the nation certainly impacted UGA’s reloaded pass game, as receivers struggled to get open and Gunner Stockton was pressed to make decisions and throws with little margin for error.

But those are the sorts of challenges players sign up for when they choose to play for the Bulldogs, knowing that competitive practice situations are part of the developmental process that makes UGA plays so desirable.

All that said, here’s some thoughts on key players that stood out:

WR London Humphreys

Humphreys makes all the plays he’s supposed to make and doesn’t come off the field often, the mark of a leader.

It’s clear Humphreys has built trust with his coaches and teammates, and the fact that he’s wearing the No. 16 — Kirby Smart’s playing number — says something.

TE Jaden Redell

This talented third-year tight end has flashed at times, but in Sunday’s practice his presence was more notable and consistent.

Redell drew praise from the head coach for his spring and offseason work, and Smart complimented him on the mic after he made a contested touchdown catch during 11-on-11 action off a throw from back-up quarterback Ryan Montgomery.

QB Ryan Montgomery

Montgomery no longer wears a bulky knee brace, and his mobility and ability to extend plays was noted in the 11-on-11 work.

Gunner Stockton is the clear number one, but the offseason storyline about the back-up job being contested appears to have validity based on Montgomery’s impressive practice on Sunday.

TE/WR Kaiden Prothro

The celebrated incoming freshman surely has many things to work on, but the pass-catching part of the equation seems legit.

Prothro appeared to have a knack for finding space in the defensive pass coverage an using his big body to screen defenders when making the catch.

CB Ellis Robinson IV

Smart talked about how Robinson’s confidence has grown, and that was apparent with the sticky coverage and multiple-interception package that he had.

Smart also singled Robinson out in run support, encouraging better angles, but there’s no question Georgia has a very special player at one cornerback position.

Georgia offensive line

It’s hard to single out any one lineman without the benefit of tape study, but it was clear this line has power and can create a push.

The pass protection from the first-line unit was also very good throughout the practice and 11-on-11 work, as the defense did not get much of a push up the middle and QB pressures were limited.

SS KJ Bolden

Lawson Luckie spoke last week about how Bolden is often a step ahead of offensive plays, and that was again the case in Sunday’s workout.

Bolden’s speed and anticipation is undeniable, and like Robinson he has the markings of a future first-round NFL Draft pick.

LB Chris Cole

Cole is indeed a chess piece, capable of being deployed in multiple ways in pass coverage, as a run stopper or effective blitz option.

Cole made an athletic interception on one play, and came off the edge to get to the quarterback on another. There’s no question No. 9 will be creating havoc this season.

RB Jae Lamar

The Georgia running backs room lacks a true standout, and there’s a strong chance Lamar’s opportunities could be limited until he’s as assignment sound and physically capable of others.

But as a pure runner, Lamar appears to have the upside to make an impact — if not sooner, later.

PK Peyton Woodring

Woodring is so consistent that he’s often overlooked, but with Smart suggesting there will be more “four-quarter games” ahead in the rugged SEC, having a strong kicker can make a difference in the outcome of more than one game.

Smart put pressure on Woodring at the end of Sunday’s grueling two-hour practice to make three kicks in a row, the final one from 50 yards, and the Georgia kicker calmly delivered.