G-Day 2024 - Georgia Football Spring Game - Full Game

weather Aaron Murray Jay alter with you we'll be joined by Taylor Davis on the sideline in just a moment Aaron it's a new team they're preparing for a new season in the fall but the expectations they remain the same here at Georgia well you know they're a little salty here in Athens Georgia left out of the playoffs last season after going 12-1 only lost Alabama and Atlanta you win backto back natties you go 12- one and they feel like they have the pieces to make it run back to the playoffs this season and then get that third National Championship in four years take a look at the last three seasons and the Bulldogs have as many losses as they have national titles backto back in 21 in 22 and of course the three Pat denied in the SEC Championship and they got their revenge in the orange ball a 603 to3 throttling of Florida State you take a look at who's coming back from that 23 Team all eyes on the returning quarterback Carson Beck and a guy you look at the NFL draft this year I believe would have been the number four quarterback taken off the board so you're saying a top 20 pick in the NFL draft here in a few weeks is going to be on campus rocking the red and black next season I think has a chance to be one of the top picks in the NFL draft next year so I'm excited to see what he could do year two as a starting quarterback and let's check in with the Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart Who's down with our Taylor Davis thank you Jay well coach you told us this week you never take for granted the opportunity to dress out and play in Stanford Stadium what are you looking for from your group today I'm looking for intensity we want to have a game we we want to treat it like we're playing uh Clemson today like we're playing Georgia today and we got a great opponent we want to go out and get better what have you seen from your quarterback Carson Beck this spring as he comes back after a full year as a starter a lot of poise uh a lot of Moxy a lot of lot better leadership so he's growing as a player hey it's a beautiful day to do it go enjoy it let's go dogs the curvy smart said it best yesterday when you look at the spring game this is good on good first team offense against first team defense and we are underway in Athens and it's an awesome atmosphere here at Sanford Stadium just the environment leading up to the game Aaron you would really never know it's a spring football game and that's exactly the attitude Kirby Smart wants Carson back in his players to have tday you know it's funny you bring up the good vers good and he said this yesterday in our in our in our meeting with the coaching staff said this may be the best team you face the entire season and he's not lying I know there's Clemson and Alabama Miss on that schedule but the guys across from you right now might be the most talented defense and offense you'll see all season long here this afternoon 25 every time and as we get our first look at Carson backck in this Georgia first team offense Bulldog fans excited to see Trevor etn in a Georgia uniform for the first time but it'll be rodri Robinson who starts to The Back Field quick hitter out to the flat so many weapons in that wide receiver Room Aaron and I think people are focused on who Georgia lost last season but there's a lot of strength in that room was a bunch today even throughout the uh the pregame warm-ups of you know they're losing Brock Bowers they're losing lad mcon and rosby Jack had an incredible season last year I said well let's focus on who they actually do have returning and there is a lot of talent both at the tight end position and outside the receiving position as well for back Robinson the first Carry of the day rumbles forward the soft more who returns big but he's got speed not just a Bruiser out of the back field and it's a stable of backs as it always is for Georgia well I know they're expecting big things from rogic Robinson 6' 240 245 he is an absolute Bruiser but you said it best he's actually the fastest guy in that room he's a home run threat so I mean I don't know what you do you're a safety 240 running full speed at you he's an opportunity to have a massive season this year for the Bulldogs first test for the first team defense in Black third and one trying to get Carson Beck in the offense off the field and that offensive line pushing the pile to move the chains this offensive line might be the best unit on this Georgia team well that's the funny thing we just saw right there we talk about the size of of Roger Robinson and you know third down situations like that able to put his shoulder down to get the first down but you didn't bring up this offensive line and George had one of the premere offensive lines in college football since Kirby really got here and the belief is this could be actually the best unit since 2016 Carson back again a smooth delivery comfortable confident a year ago there were all the question marks about Carson Beck he is silenced any doubters and he spoke about that offensive line eron he said this is the best offensive line of the country they are going to win the Joe Moore award which goes to the best offensive line after the fall and you look at that projecting starting offensive line Jared Wilson's really the only new name and Kirby Smart keeped a ton of Praise on his new center yeah I loved him and just his his speed you know we talk about with with Roger Robinson the speed Jared has has shown 20 M hour if not faster in practices the season Beck delivers it right on the [Applause] money Dylan Bell reliable hands for Beck and that offensive line gave him a clean pocket oh that's someone we ask you know people ask how do you replace Brock Bowers and all the things that Brock did from you know splitting out to the outside to being in the slot to getting even jet sweeps Dylan Bell while he may not put his hand in the dirt he's at army Swift knife Swiss knife that you can move around the offense another play action for Beck unloads the Deep ball double coverage and it sails incomplete tried to go right back to Bell that's a route that Carson deck struggled with last season the post route and a couple times under throw just never really built the chemistry with his receivers to throw it down the field and I'm sure he was looking to kind of Silence some critics of his down the field attempts last season by getting a big play to start this scrimmage off here this afternoon Beck set to throw again out of the back field Trevor etn with his first play in a Georgia uniform big expectations coming with etn from Gainesville to Ain he had a terrific career at Florida in two seasons nearly 1500 yards rushing 14 touchdowns well I think that's what they like from him not only running the football but catching it out of the back field and you look at Georgia under under Todd monin so much of the offense went through obviously Brock Bowers but running backs catching it out of the back field as well and feel like that was part of the missing piece of this offense last year great blocking by that offensive line Beck floats it incomplete Dominic love it his first Target of the spring game so far I want to go back to the weapons you brought up and you know I kind of hit on the the fact that Georgia does have a an array of talent coming back this season Oscar Delp lost and lucky at the tight end position Oscar obviously played a ton last year but two guys that really keep your eyes on eyes on as a beautiful throw from Carson there Dom lovein and ra Thomas the two big transfers last year now year two in the offense really expect those guys to take their game to another level [Applause] Robinson swallowed up and we spent a lot of time talking about this first team offense for Georgia first team defense getting a real test here railen Wilson makes the tackle there they've returned a lot of guys but young guys under classment sophomores who have a lot of experience because they played their freshman year yeah it's it's a very young defense and it's funny you look at last year's recruiting class A lot of four and five star guys which is usual for Georgia on that defensive side of the football now these guys are in their second spring heading into their second year expectation is that they themselves take their step up will not see Malachi Saro unfortunately this afternoon third and long back to the end zone it's caught but incomplete Bell didn't get a foot in bounds pass was caught by Dyan Bell what an absolute dime and I think he got in I think that right foot is in and you and I today there is no replay officials I think you and I are tasked with that so I might need to call down to the field and say hey overturned right foot down touchdown [Applause] 86 so the offense was really rolling there on the opening drive and the defense bows up forces a 42 yd field goal attempts for Payton Woodring came in his freshman season and won the Primary kick duties and he puts it right down the middle from 42 now Kirby smarts at it best good on good offense versus defense we're just getting started in aens oh it's just a gorgeous day for football in Athens Georgia and what's better than this getting a preview of one of the preseason favorites for this fall Aaron Murray Jay alter Taylor Davis with you doing construction on one side of the stadium on the side that's open it is packed an awesome atmosphere at Sanford Stadium between the hedges so we just saw the first team offense go against the first team defense now you'll get the second team offense against the second team defense Anthony Evans on the return and we get our first look at gunar Stockton the red shirt sophomore who is really in the the Carson Beck role that Carson was in when he was backing up STS and Bennett yeah I think this is a big day for for gunner you know you look at the situation behind Carson Beck and you never want to bring this up but if something did happen there's not a lot of experience behind Carson only three scholarship quarterbacks on the roster and one of them being a midye guy in Ryan py which we will not see here this afternoon so this is an opportunity for him to get a ton of reps in front of these fans and start building some conf heading into next season as qb2 Stockton steps up delivers it deep ball and it's caught what a grab Anthony Evans hauled it in and Gunner stocked in off to a great start in this spring game that's how you build some confidence and get the fans excited throw the ball deep down the field on your very first pass that's someone too I'm interested to watch Anthony Evans the speed of number five on the outside big play threat and we saw it there on the first play quick hitter Michael Jackson the transfer from USC with his first grab take another look at this great protection up front might have been a sack but we're going to be a little bit generous with the whistle but great job going up getting the football and then the body control to come down and get a few extra yards for Anthony Evans and Evans doing that against a five-star freshman cornerback KJ Balden part of this number one recruiting class both Balden and Robinson are five-star Corners playing on the second team defense in red Paul turns the corner inside the five Andrew Paul one of the stable of backs for this Bulldogs team well you watch defensively something that really Georgia last year was being able to set the edge defensively and that's something they feel like with those four and five-star guys they got a year ago now year two in the system been able to bulk up a little bit more through the training program that those guys are going to be better it wasn't setting that edge funneling everything back to the middle of the field but right there offensively great job being able to hit it get down to the one yd line [Music] right back to Paul and he bulldozes his way into the end zone touchdown this second team offense worked quickly they go 75 yds in just four [Music] plays now you brought up early on to to start the broadcast and just some of the youth defensively and and you know if you're young with your ones you're going to be even younger obviously most likely with the second unit so there's a lot of guys fighting to under spot on the defense side of the football and right now looks like the offense are both first series looking pretty good in Mike Bobo's second season as offensive [Music] coordinator we talk about all the four and five star guys on the defensive line but they've also recruited some big bodies at the offensive line position and that's one thing that really is the biggest difference from even a decade ago you look at the interior bodies offensive line defensive line you have guys that are 66 67 68 340 lb blocking up front he doesn't like small people he likes to recruit them big and really when you look at what Kirby Smart has recruited since he took over 9 years ago it it all starts in the trenches Aaron you know offensive line defensive line when you look at the makeup of those national championship teams they had competitive depth on both sides of the trenches well you look at where he came from in Alabama I mean why was Alabama so successful for so long and Nick Nick Sabin did that he built them in the trenches you look at Texas last year what why was Texas able to take that major step and and get to the playoffs they had an elite defensive line guys that are going to be drafted the first round and a veteran group of offensive lineman as well so that is the recipe this is still football you still got pads and helmet on and you got to have some physicality if you want to win games in the SEC and with Nick Sabin stepping aside at the end of last season I don't think there's any question if there's going to be another Dynasty in college football it's right here in Athens with Kirby Smart well you you could make the case that you know they're kind of in it right now yeah I mean you are you you lost National Championship a handful of years ago to Alabama you then turn around and win two national championships have a 12 in1 season and now with the expanded playoffs to 12 and and possibly more teams here after 2026 you would think Kirby smart and kind of what he's been able to build in Athens Georgia should put the this unit in the playoffs each and every season well if you look at the last seven seasons the wor first finish Kirby Smart has had with his Georgia Bulldogs is seventh so in the last seven years Georgia has finished no worse than seven that that's an automatic qualifier to the college football playoffs now it is absolutely unbelievable and yeah and I think he's kind of put himself on that next tier or that top I mean essentially top tier and he was there last year but you can make the case that obviously it was him and Nick Sabin up there as 1 a 1B for top coaches in all of college football he sits now put pretty much alone as king of college football when it comes to [Music] coaches it's interesting a lot of people have to go into the transfer portal era now to get their Star Quarterback Kirby Smart right now has a system where he has guys buy in wait their turn like Carson Beck did after STS and Bennett now we're seeing that with gunar Stockton kind of in that sit in weight roll it's incredible that he gets these High Caliber kids to to sit two three years before they're going to play well you buy to the vision I mean for Carson they said hey man you get one two seasons to be qb1 of this roster take advantage of that and you set yourself up nicely Beck throwing on third down and he overshot love it there I want to go back to the the transfer portal cuz the portal does open in a week and I know there is a lot of uh why would you schedule gday on the same weekend as the Masters and I think they won to kind of make sure they wasn't bleeding into the transfer portal which opens up here in a few days but I ask kir I mean there's a lot of coaches that utilize the next window to maybe fill some holes and and and Kirby doesn't really need to and maybe he does maybe he doesn't but you look at the roster there is not a lot of holes on this Georgia team where you feel like you need to bring in some more competition for the summertime yeah I think you look at this roster and there's competitive depth at every position it's not just okay we like ones yep no it's not just we like our ones we like our twos we like the guys that heck we like the guys that have been in the mid year we like the guys that are coming here in about a couple months for summer and fall Camp so he is he has built an absolute machine and he hasn't had to use the portal a lot like yeah they hit some guys last year at the receiving position but they build from within here at the University of Georgia [Applause] here's chony Bowens part of that number one recruiting class for the Bulldogs coming in how about how many freshman they got to early enroll I I know that it's becoming more and more popular but you look at it used to be okay a handful it's practically the whole class it's unbelievable it it really is and and not only do they get to participate here in Spring but a lot of these guys got to participate in in the bowl practice you get Bowl practice leading up to that game then you get to train with the team for two months and then be able to go through these practices obviously as now a enrolled student but it's a different world 2009 when I came here and showed up to Athens George there's three of us yeah Zack manberg Dallas Lee myself and that was kind of the norm from 1 to three and usually it was just quarterbacks every now and then you get a couple of position but it's really just quarterbacks enrolling early now like you said Jay half the half your class is already on campus how much does that help the transition from high school football to college football no it's all about understanding the Reps The Playbook any chance you get out there and get film ni throw throw there from Gunner and those are throws to the flat you have to be accurate so the receiver can catch it and be able to at least give himself an opportunity to attempt to get the first down and looks like they're going to give him just a little bit short there but been really impressed with Gunner Stockton and his accuracy not only on the Deep ball with his first throw of the game but that one as well how about the nice open field Tackle by another midyear guy five-star KJ Balden wrapped up made sure a yard short of the sticks [Music] let's check in down on the sideline with Taylor Davis well Jay we're not getting a preview in Malachi Starks one of the defenses leaders is not playing today he has worked his way back into some individual drill but I have a storm he told roll like that with so many young guys getting their first shot out here today I've seen him down here pulling a lot of these younger guys over demonstrating asking them what they're seeing really taking the opportunity to make sure this is a teaching moment for guys that may see ample playing time this and Starks doing really well with his rehab they expect him to make a full recovery for the fall he is a stud safety on this Georgia team and Aaron they they lose a lot of their second second so they're going to need Malachi Starks to to help this younger unit come along yeah and and listen if you're going to have someone to return you I love the fact that it's Malachi Starks multiple time allamerican one of the best safeties in college football has a chance to be a top 15 top 20 NFL draft pick next season but yet this is his opportunity to really not only work on his fundamentals when he is able to go out there and practice but almost be like a coach which helps take your game to an even higher level when you really dive into the it know etn bouncing outside breaks a couple of tackles there's a flag down first one of the day this might be coming back for the transfer from Florida yeah it's going to be on loss in lucky number seven the number two tight end and that's something he's working on lossing an incredible athlete for those who remember last year's spring game with the right side of your line you see him locked up and just holds Chamas a little bit too too long there Lawson had a great spring game unfortunately gets hurt missed most of the season but very athletic and he's been working hard to improve his his blocking ability to take his game to and make it a little bit more complete yeah offensive coordinator Mike Bobo had a great line yesterday which is look nobody can be Brock bers there's only one but he really likes the depth they have in that tight end room Oscar Delp L and lucky lead that list back right over the middle Dominic love it his first reception of the spring game they want him to take a step forward become more of a real playmaker and you saw flashes throughout the season last year you saw flashes of him you saw flashes love Carson's eyes right there working from left to right knowing that he just a move a couple linebackers to be able to hit that dig right over the middle of the field but man Dom lovein in the slot what he did at Missouri looking for big things out of him this season as well end of the first quarter Kirby Smart the Georgia Bulldogs preseason favorites to win another National Championship we're giving you a preview today in Athens start of the second quarter at the Georgia spring game Aaron Murray Taylor Davis Jay alter with you Carson back in the first team offense going against the first te defense Defense number 13 5yd penalty results in a first down Mike Bobo in his second stint as Georgia offensive coordinator 2007 to 2014 came back in for all in 2023 Aaron Murray you you played for Bubba you know what it's like to be in a Mike Bobo offense and what can you tell us about how he's evolved in between his two tenur here well it's funny we didn't do a lot of shifts and motions when when I was at Georgia and I swear in one quarter alone probably more shifts and motions than I did in four years so has evolved immensely just learning from monin for the year that he was here as an analyst Carson Beck has been off the mark on the Deep ball so far he he's losing some big weapons I mean out of the back field with Edwards and Milton and that three-headed monster in the receiving game but it's not like they've got a rebuild here in ath they just reload they got four and five stars coming up behind them well you brought up the the the tandem of Oscar and Lawson and how they combine can try to replace Brock bers I think they're more than capable of having a heck of a season but there's some young Talent at the receiving spot that they're really excited well Anthony Evans who we saw a nice catch from earlier rahon do Dom love in their second season etn ch a couple of tacklers across Midfield he's got a nice burst out of the backfield Trevor etn and that's something too that you just you didn't feel like you had consistency last year at the running back position when it comes to just guys staying healthy then the explosive plays whether it's in the Run game or in the pass game as well catching the ball the Back Field you lost Branson Robinson for the season hopefully he's back come the start of next season but number one looks pretty darn good in red and black nice catch the ball earlier in the game and then a nice run there as well oh we just showed you Edwards and Milton out of the back field nice one-two punch a year ago this year etn and Robinson there's Mike Bobo calling it in on the walkie-talkie well he was telling me before the game about man I would have been ripping you we had headsets in your helmet back in the day I was like I am so happy that I did not have you in my ear uh I feel bad that Carson has to deal with I was like when does it cut off he said no no it's still it's like the NFL cuts off at 15 seconds but he said not today so I can be in his ear the entire time if I want to taking advantage of this one Aaron I'm told that the quarterbacks have been using that helmet con system in the scrimmages so far this spring now we did see this introduced in some of the bowl games last season but the Orange Bowl was not one of them so this spring scrimmages and today's gday game or the first game type simulations these quarterbacks are getting to experience that system yeah I told Bobo during scrimmages I didn't need the headset because I could hear him screaming at me from the booth up here nothing worse than making a mistake in a scrimmage and hearing Mike Bobo's Echoes throughout Sanford Stadium and you just want to go hide into a dark you want to go hide in ug's uh little dogghouse a third and two here for Beck floats it up one on one coverage and it's hauled in great crab Dom love it he's made a couple of good ones in this first half what an absolute present from Carson I love look at his eyes held the Middle with safety for the first two steps of the drop and then ripped him over there knowing he has one-on-one coverage with dom love it on that inside fade throws it to the outside lets him essentially fall into the reception beautiful pitch and catch from 15 six you're going to see a lot of that combination this fall Venture a guests that love it will be the top Target for Beck Beck lofs it to the end zone incomplete was trying to go right back Colby young the transfer he's going to be a red zone threat 63 215 comes in from Miami so when you get into this area of the field you have to keep an eye on on number eight in red that's what the coaching staff told us yesterday and Carson like number eight inside the Red Zone inside the top in the 20 big alert to be able to give him some one-on-one opportunities and great job defensively there understanding from Edward that hey oneone the outside he's probably going to take a chance stay outside leverage they run it with Robinson inside the five and a lot of these guys making their first appearance in front of these front of these fans in their new uniforms and you know Colby young nice receiver on the outside you talk about his size London humph as well from Vayner built so Georgia went to the portal last year got two guys that we expect to take a big step we'll see what these transfers can do now here this afternoon but come next season third and goal ball back deflected at the line and it's intercepted Mel Williams now in his Junior season Williams one of the best defenders on this team and you saw why there we met with Mel yesterday and my goodness a massive human being and someone that's going to be moving around a lot playing defensive band and outside linebacker extreme athleticism to knock it located int for the [Music] dogs oh we cannot wait Saturdays this fall the SEC exclusively on ESPN and ABC Aaron Murray Jay alter Taylor Davis down on the sideline giving you a taste of what to expect from Georgia come to fall almost backto back terrific defensive plays we saw Mike Cal Williams do it for the black team that's Chris Cole five-star freshman linebacker number one player in the state of Virginia you see why here oh my goodness I back to back you said it almost close receptions that's position that they really want to see step up and take their game to another level the outside spot you bringing one of the best from the high school ranks already making nice little name for him right with that play here this afternoon yeah that's one to watch line backer from Salem Virginia 6'3 225 and you come in with that five star next to you name people know about you Robinson Williams Balden Cole all five stars according to ESPN 300 number one overall ranked class and and all those guys right there the top guys on the defensive side of the ball well and they did the same thing last year a lot of elite guys on the defensive side they got the recruiting class and then Kirby doubles down understanding that even in today's game with all the rules that favor the offense with everything that offens is due I still need to be sound on the defensive side where do you feel like the strength of this Georgia defense lies headed into next fall you know last year was the DBS I mean last year is one of the most talented defensive back fields in the country with Javon Bard and Malachi and ta Keen Kamari Lasser uh you lose three of those and now you got to replace them so the DBS are are TBD you know we want to see what some of these young guys look like I think they're very talented but I would say in the interior Warren Brinson flashed a lot for me last year I think Nair stack house is an absolute stud in the interior as well so between those two some of the depth of D tackle and then the inside linebackers those guys in their second season kind of ring the heart of that defense is where you feel really good if you're a bulldog and they feel good enough about what they have on their defensive line coming back that we started to get into it it is Junior season they're going to stand Mel Williams up more bring him off the edge and we spoke with him yesterday was it your decision was the coach's decision he said a little bit of both and just kind of see how it goes well this spring the transition's been perfect you saw saw him make an impact Play Picking off back on the previous possession and they wouldn't be able to do that if they didn't feel that strongly about their defense line yes and I think they do and that's a unit that returns some guys that possibly could have gone to the NFL draft been midr guys and want to come out there win one more National Championship offensive line doing very well giving back plenty of time that is incomplete Oscar Delp the tight end was the Target and Dan Jackson who I think is in his sixth or seventh season wearing the G on helmet but you talk about leadership from Malachi starts number 17 is a guy that's been kind of up and down with some injuries through his career but an incredible leader in the locker room really great on that side of the football of just mentoring a lot of the young Elite Talent and then hey when when plays are to be made Dan Jackson seems to be making plays including a national championship pivotal block against Alabama a few years ago and Jackson's first season 2019 so one of the veterans on this 2024 Georgia team flag comes in after the Robinson Run holy offense number 55 10 yd penalty replay second down well that's a position that you know we talked to cars yesterday about yeah you're getting a new center you know you lose your Center in the NFL Jared Wilson comes in and we kind of highlighted a little bit earlier but a guy that is faster than some of the DBS on this roster getting up to 20 plus miles hour in practice can get to the second level needs to continue to work on maybe initial contact but overall they feel like it' be one of the best centers in Georgia history oh and you have to replace Cedric vanran easier said than done back slings it right on the money a dart Colby young the transfer from Miami brings it in Not only was that an absolute missile on a dagger out which is a very difficult throw but kby young I want to see his ability to kind of with someone draping on him turn body control High Point the ball going backwards that's what you love that 63 6'4 receiver that it's just a big frame over the middle of the field that hey man I'm just going to rip it I'm going to throw it over a lineb said and trust that my big receiver is going to make a play for me right on the money again loss and lucky first team offense trying to find their Rhythm here after the defense has dominated so far and somebody down on that sideline might like that the defense is dominating Taylor someone who knows a thing or two about Georgia defense key Ringo joins me now what's it like for you being back in your old stomping grounds it's a great opportunity you know I just be able to be back to to see my young guys um grow and develop and that's really what it's all about you mentioned the young guys and these are this is a group that could see ample playing time come fall what are some pieces of advice that you've passed on to guys whose name is called early in their career you know it's taking it one day at a time I'm trusting these coaches in the program you know as if um the same situation I went through you know so I definitely know what it's like you know so just be able to see the guy just continue to grow it's a great experience you're one one of quite a few Bulldogs who have seen their professional career take them up to Philly uh how has your career here at Georgia and also in the SEC prepared you for the next level and SEC and also at Georgia there's nothing like it man just a preparation in the way Kirby coaches us you know put us through hell almost what it feels like you know oh man but it's a great feeling you know just be able to go to the league and actually know what that feels like um it's a great experience y'all still got that same College Bond that's translated to the NFL man yes man most definitely that's awesome now Kirby a guy that also knows a thing or two about defense how did being coached by a guy with such defensive wisdom help you as a player um a lot man um just just breaking down the game um playing the game within the game is what they say um a lot you know so just breaking the game making it as simple as possible you know so you don't have to think out there so I feel like playing the game like that makes it the best all right a beautiful day here in Athens go enjoy the rest of it thank you so much a great insight there from Key Ringo of course two-time National Championship now killing it with the Eagles which is basically like the Georgia pro team feels like everyone's in Philly the Philly dogs that's what they call them the Philadelphia dogs uh and I love what he said I mean Kirby does make it extremely difficult if you ever been to a Georgia practice you always hear the voice of Kirby over above ringing throughout the indoor well Carson Beck told us yesterday that game days are easier than practice with Kirby and again Beck is in white here not supposed to touch the quarterback Tate rage the Right Guard rolled up on him luckily Beck gets up immediately well that's the goal I mean you do you want to make Monday through Friday as difficult as possible that way you come out here on on Saturdays and just relax have fun play and and Kirby makes it as competitive as possible each and every practice well that's why on a scrimmage especially with fans here between the hedges you want to see that competition like it's a game day and you know for for some programs coaches say that this program they mean oh they deliver it to Kirby Smart even deciding to take a timeout for his offense ahead of this third and [Music] nine now it is a picture perfect day in Athens Spring football getting you set for the 2024 season Aaron Murray Jay alter Taylor Davis with you a third and N first team offense going against the first team defense back over the middle it's caught inside the five helmet off Dominique love it the transfer from Missouri now in his second season with Georgia another big play oh I mean we always hear our positivity coming out of spring I mean spring is everyone's going to win a National Championship everyone going to win a high and everyone's going to be all American so you never really know but then actually seeing cuz we've heard a lot about Dom Dom's taking his big step in year two uh from from from practice notes and all that but man you watch him on the field today number six really has taken and elevated his game to another level that's his fourth catch 73 yds to go along with it jump ball in the end zone and it's caught kby young he's going to be a red Zone threat this fall keep an eye on number eight when George is near the end zone well we saw the incredible body control by eight on the dagger out being able to go get it a little bit behind him and then once again one-on-one defensive back Drake time I love Carson back just get the ball out now throw it up 63 one onone against Julian Humphrey and great snag for the touchdown a lot of talk this off season who is Beck going to throw the ball to mak's gone Bow's gone well love it and Young have balled out in this spring game and there's a deep wide receiver room here in aens a Cirby smart has to be happy with his first team offense Red Zone execution and they pull in front 107 [Music] now Georgia's first team offense goes 10 plays 72 yards for their first touchdown of the Georgia spring game certainly the best Drive Carson Beck has had today six of seven through the air 73 yds and a touchdown six straight completions to finish the drive Colby young his first touchdown in a bulldog uniform this will be really good experience here a two-minute drill for gunar Stockton in the second team offense and they'll get great starting field position I said not a lot of experience behind Carson Beck at all Gunner got to play a little bit in the bow game but for 14 and that's something that I love talking with with Kirby Smart about yesterday he said we finish every practice this off whether it's with gner or Carson with some sort of situation Red Zone got to score this many points you know uh two-minute Drive got to score this many points so these guys are testing we talk about that competition every single day in practice but there is a great opportunity for him in Sanford Stadium in front of fans to get some work in in a two-minute situation and Stockton's reps has tripled this spring compared to last spring you remember he was in that b with Brock Vandergriff to be the number two a year ago Brock transfers to Kentucky so it's Stockton really all alone in that two spot the early enrol Le freshman Ryan pesi Big Arm they they really like that true freshman py but he got banged up Midway through spring camp after seven practices so Stockton got all of his reps as well me that's what you want from a quarterback and that's kind of how Kirby has always done his practices it puts a lot in the coaching staff and the analyst to go back and watch all the film but essentially if you go to one of them there's two or three practices going on at once one quarterback's doing seven on seven another one's doing oneon-one another one's doing 11 on 11 and they just kind of continue to rotate and you're just getting all these reps over and over again seeing the plays against certain defenses doing the two-minute drives all that should hopefully make number 14 more comfortable if he has to play this year got it out quickly Jackson second reception transfer coming in from USC the senior out of Las Vegas there's another play from a midye Justin Williams number 19 highly rated outside linebacker third and nine Stockton slings it incomplete and nearly intercepted in tried to squeeze it into a tight window Jake Pope was there yeah Twan you would love to see the receiver kind of bend it across the face of the safety Gunner's trusting that he's going to do that but still a very risky throw great job defensively being able to keep with chirone Jones keep the slot receiver more towards the numbers and not let him kind of bend it across the middle of the field Kirby's to leave the second team offense on the field for this fourth and nine Stockton puts it short turnover on Downs I I think both the first team defense and the second team defenses dominated this first half yeah and it was funny cuz I mean the first the first drive for each offense looked really really good and once again man-to-man coverage great job pretty much everyone blanketed on the outside in a two-man defense you know first offense moved the ball down the field I thought it was a touchdown for Dylan Bell you know our producers said no so they didn't give it to him field goal but a nice drive offense for the second team moves the ball right down the field scores a touchdown so offense kind of moving and defense since then has really done a great job besides the last possession for Carson Beck and his offense of really slowing things down for these guys in the off side of the football [Music] BS the sophomore made a great coverage there he's the son of Buccaneers head coach Todd BS there is so much youth on the defensive side of the football yet it's youth with reps under their belt and maybe that's the thing you're just not used to seeing in the SEC when especially during this Co year you feel like everyone's a fourth or fifth year guy Georgia is going to have first and second year guys that have tons of talent and game repetition under their well it's also the transfer portal error that's that as well as Kirby takes another timeout for his offense but it just guys are impatient in nowadays game but I mean you look at the impact sophomores from a year ago very highly recruited guys Jamal Jared 350 PBS Jordan Hall couple big- time defensive tackles Aguero at the nickel position at Star position you know ta ke did such a great job there at that spot a lot is asked from him so excited about that but really CJ Allen and railen Wilson two inside linebackers they're really the leaders of the defense making the calls year or two for both of them and we know what that position means in this defense and the guys that have been drafted for the University of Georgia deflected ball at the line of scrimage again there a flag down offside defense 5yd penalty replay second down Aaron you mentioned Wilson and Allen you know those two as sophomores to Anchor that linebacker room you know why does the coaching staff have so much confidence for underclassman to lead and make calls for this Georgia defense well they played a lot last year and you say sophomores but really they're still freshman true they're still fresh Sor in the fall yeah I know sophomores in the fall but I mean these kids are L they're kids they're they're 19 years old out here making the calls for potentially the number one defense in the country and the team that's won two the past three national championship it's a huge responsibility on Kirby Smart's defense but those guys by all accounts can handle that responsibility defens has looked real good today and it's another interception CJ Allen we were just talking about him and he makes a huge play there to pick off backck his first team defense has been dialed in in the spring game yeah everyone dropping dropping dropping and Beck just trying to force one in there really he's keeping his eyes to the right to move one of the inside linebackers and just does not get it over fast enough to see that CJ Allen was dropping right in the coverage on that seam route would have been better just checking it off for an easy completion once again we just were harping on number three here two as that guy the inside linebacking spot really taking that defense as his own oh that's a name Georgia fans already know CJ Allen but the whole country is going to be talking about him this fall well there's another new dog right there number 16 London humph that transferred from Vayner built had a nice touchdown vers Georgia last year for those who remember the game early on for the commodor making his first reception here as a bulldog in gday backto back completions from gunar Stockton Jaden re hauled that one in I've seen a lot of twom man cover two so that running back man on man on a linebacker at some point it's going to be a good option Stockton goes right back to the Freshman tied end and right now you have to understand what what what's the time for gunner Stockton 33 seconds 30 seconds get everyone lined up this is great for the Young quarterback trying to cash in after the CJ Allen interception Miss communication there route was broken off good coverage by Ellis Robinson ESPN had him as the number one recruit in the 2024 class number one in red well right now offensively to this is a good learning moment for gunner understanding that hey we've seen a lot of Twan but when you start getting into Red Zone this defense doesn't want to get a field goal they don't want to give up any points before halftime so you've seen backto back plays now or inside cross dog pressure from the linebacker so you have to be kind of antennas up hey they want to push me out of field goal range so have to expect pressure [Music] possibly Stockton in trouble escapes it be short of the first down but you'll be in field goal range here with the clock at 13 seconds left to this first half down Badger to the field goal for the [Music] te Liam badger on to convert this 38- yd field goal attempt to tie it at 10 going in to halftime and he does field goal attempt is good no doubt Aaron the defense dominating the Georgia spring game so far hey Georgia defense hey we saw some positive some receivers on the outside Carson made some good throws obviously want to get rid of those turnovers but I have to say Kirby Smart's walking away pretty happy with what that first half looked like Michel Williams and CJ Allen two linebackers that you're going to see all fall long for Georgia two interceptions in the first half now between the hedges on a game day in Athens for the first time in 2024 big plays being made all over the field inside Sanford Stadium on this beautiful gday and you just never know who you're going to run into down here on the sidelines the only ever two-time John Macky Award winner a three-time All-American I really could go on and on Brock Bowers joins me now Brock now that your college career is in the rear viiew mirror you were a part of so many special teams you achieved a lot individually how would you reflect on your days here in Athens I mean it was unbelievable I mean um everything I to experience all the all the winning we did I mean it was it was awesome I mean it was uh two national championship it's couldn't ask for anything better so can't hate the winning and like you said you really performed on the biggest stage that you possibly could in college football how do you feel like Georgia prepared you for the next level yeah I mean we go against uh NFL dudes all day every day at practice so I mean uh I mean you can see it every year we pump out kids so I mean it's it it it crazy every single day I saw coach Kirby Smart over with you as you were getting recognized here inside the stadium a lot of love between the two of you but he's a tough guy knows a lot about football how did he make you better oh I mean he he pushed us every single day I mean super hard I mean uh I mean there's no better coach in nation I feel like and uh I mean he did everything he could in his power to make us better even if that was pushing us even if we didn't want to be pushed so yeah you left pretty big shoes to fill but guys like Oscar Lawson are stepping up to the task what do you know about this room of tight ends that you're excited for comef fall I know Del and lucky going try their hardest to get out there and ball out I mean I know they're they're great players they're great kids so I mean they're they're out there today I mean just balling so I'm I'm happy for them I'm excited to see what they do what have the last couple months looked like for you as you prepare for the next step of your career yeah just training I mean um training and uh Vis uh meetings with teams and kind of everything like that it's excited to see what happens we're excited to see what happens for you too thanks for everything you did in the and best of luck thank you I appreciate it we've got plenty day don't want to go anywhere the second half of the spring game coming up next here in Athens half about to begin in Athens Georgia between the hedges for the first time in 2024 Sanford Stadium ready to rock awesome atmosphere here for what is the first time we get a look at Kirby smarts team in 2024 preseason favorites when you look at the landscape who who going to be there to win a National Championship Carson Beck a year ago the question marks were what's Georgia going to do at the quarterback position he was a Manning award finalist silenced any doubters with that 13- one record today he's been picked off twice but as Kirby Smart told us yesterday this is good on good this might be the best defense that Carson Beck goes against in the year 2024 and he's been picked off twice Mikel Williams and CJ Allen anchoring for the first team defense it's the second team offense to start in this second half gunar Stockton johy Bowens one of the early and rolly freshman out of the back field joh [Music] first and 10 the 35 we've got Aaron Murray making his way down to the field where he is going to stand next to Kirby Smart and get an inside look love the access that the two-time national champion head coach is granted US during this spring game know it's interesting big offse renovation here at Sanford Stadium is they got brand new Hedges you know between the hedges they've been playing between the hedges since 1929 well new Hedges put in this offseason the last time that they got new Hedges installed here in Athens Kirby Smart was a sophomore playing for Georgia they rulle that a sack so it's going to take a little while for the hedges to to grow and mature because you're used to seeing decades old Hedges Taylor and now these are baby Hedges here in Athens they're baby Hedges that is a good way to put it you know they they have a ways to go but they're small But Mighty you know I still know I'm between the hedges they're they're carrying the tradition I just love the fact that the last time Georgia had new Hedges Kirby Smart was a sophomore playing for the dogs they saw a lot of ball you know oh yeah some of the best ball and now taking over at his Alma moer and I love that interview you did with Brock Bowers Taylor it feels like every former player you talk to credits how hard Kirby coaches this team and practice and scrimmages to the success it's the one consistent thing a very old school approach and I was actually talking to Brock before we started doing that he's so humble and so grounded and that's another thing that stood out to me about these guys that have been coached by Kirby Smart their perspective hasn't shifted regardless of the level of success they reach those special teams missc there you're not really supposed to go after the Return Man Anthony Evans definitely touches that ball but you're not really supposed to go after the Return Man so in the spirit of the spring football game it's still the first team offense that will take over and Aaron you're down on the field to take a look at Carson back in this first team offense yeah I'm just you know I got warmed up pregame so I didn't know if Kirby won here just with a limited amount of scholarship quarterbacks but uh no it feels good to be back watching from this Vantage Point going to talk with Kirby a little bit bit about what his thoughts were from the first half hand off here to etn bottled up all right coach thoughts from the first half first thoughts from the first half thoughts from the first half uh defense played with more emotion more energy than they probably have all spring and I thought they did a really good job against the offense offense had a couple unlucky breaks uh there with a tip ball that the Carson gave up so what about number eight playing in the slot right now nice dagger route then the fade touchdown looks like a possible home run the portal I don't know about a home run I mean we got to go easy on home runs I mean you guys make one play and yall ready to say home run he's had a good spring he works his tail off does a good job uh to the quarterback never we got St quarterbacks guys stay away from the quarterback Kirby Smart all this number 15 go down once there in the first half don't want to mess around with him uh let let's talk about 15 Carson see a couple picks one wasn't you know unlucky you you know with a tip overall made some pretty nice throws especially number six in the slot yeah he's made those all spring he's done a really nice job with his reads really confident uh o L's got to help him out a little more today he's had a little more pressure than we've had uh in most of Cam he's done a really nice job that one ball CJ Allen baited him a little bit made a nice play and fell back in in zone back throw in here on a third and nine another deflected ball at the line of scrimmage you just heard Kirby Smart not happy with his offensive line it's a group that Beck heaped a ton of Praise on Aaron but they have struggled and that defensive line is is feasting well that's a that's a unit we talked about though the defensive line those guys big physical long bodies that able to get some push up front get those big hands up and knock it down and that's a good sign for George obviously you want that offensive line to dominate but man that defensive line has looked good this entire spring game here this afternoon yeah that was Michel Williams again getting a paw on it he tipped one to himself earlier for an interception first team defense definitely getting the better of the first team offense as the Georgia spring game rolls on from mat well it has been all Carson Beck and Gunner Stockton at quarterback those are the two he the scholarship quarterbacks here in Athens for the spring game and now we get our first look at Colin Drake walk on Jr from Andis Texas South of Dallas it's interesting Aon you were just speaking with Kirby Smart and he was really happy with how his defense has looked but frustrated in particular with that first team offensive line which was touted as one of the best in the nation all it's funny we we talked about that cuz Carson met with Carson first and Carson brought that up about hey this this offens Line's going to win the Joe Morehead I love The Confidence from the quarterback but Kirby said made sure he came in and told us hey that unit has not won anything yet they need to continue to stay hungry and humble so a lot of work to be done but we talk about the competition that's why Kirby wanted to go good on good today you know he didn't want the one offensive line dominating the second unit or the second you know first defensive line dominating the second offense line they wanted those guys getting after it go back evaluate the film and like we said from the beginning this may be the best offensive line and defensive line you face the entire season here this afternoon and think about that when you consider the schedule Georgia has as Drake unloads a deep ball had it on the fingertips of Brandon Moody couldn't quite haul it in and Aaron this team's going to have to go and play Clemson at Alabama at Texas at Miss yet you're right this could be the best defense that this first team offense faces yeah and and then obviously some of those games on the road you have to deal with the a road of bman when it comes to just the number of four and five star guys that you're going against guys that are going to be dting the NL yeah this truly may be the best unit that you're going against this entire season and Kirby knows that iron sharpens iron and he feels like he gets that every single day in practice so why not have that here for the fans this afternoon you take a look at that 2024 schedule it starts with the afflac kickoff game in Atlanta against Clemson what a battle that will be now those are two teams that have combined for four of the last eight college football playoff national championships squaring off in week one and then the road schedule's brutal at Kentucky at Alabama at Texas and at full Miss then of course the new game against Florida wedged in between that Texas and Old Miss weeks is a gauntlet this year for Georgia here's gunar Stockton getting his first action with the first team offense how about rodri Robinson laying the lumber he is a powerful stocky back six foot 245 and this kid is a monster Aon how how is it being up close seeing that I don't want to tackle him that's for sure seeing him live on the field I was right behind that play and seeing him turn the corner and put his shoulder down with that speed size against a corner you got to go low and I think right now obviously in a spring game you're not trying to take him with his legs out but DB's got to go a little bit lower on the big guy I tell you what though too being on the field and seeing 13 Michel up in person we saw him yesterday s down with him just an absolute abute Behemoth of a human being I mean just just looks like a top five top 10 pick in the NFL draft and you we we highlighted that earlier on the game just what he's doing this season moving more to that outside linebacker standup roll going to rush the passer obviously but continue to work on his athleticism in space but my goodness seeing what he looks like in person he is very impressive and you see why he's been so disruptive this afternoon puts his hand in the dirt to try and stop the run here you they're going to mix and match him like you said Aon sometimes like that his hand will still be in the dirt lined up on the line sometimes they'll stand him up and he'll Rush as a linebacker Jaylen Walker making the stop there for this Bulldogs defense it's interesting Williams was very honest with us he goes now as a junior sure I have to play well individually but I have to let the younger guys know the standard what it means to Play Def defense for Georgia I got Kirby back here there hey Kirby 14 Gunner made a great play to start the game thoughts on 14 so far he's had a really good spring man he's he understands the offense better playing with confidence good throw there to the back good job he's been really good at first he he started great there that big throw um he's really a mobile guy that we don't get to use that right now CU we're not tackling him you know so he doesn't get to run around and do quarterback design runs that he can actually do but his spring has been really impressive for me I'm proud of all right I just talked to you about number 13 walking off the field right now but man he's impressive to look at in person where have you seen the big growth from Michel this this off season well he's he's practiced he he had an injury last spring so he couldn't do it and uh this this this spring he's been able to it's been huge for him to get the spring in I I thought you he missed some practice time in Fall camp that hurt him and he's in a lot better spot now nice hole for the offensive line Andrew Paul runs right through it powerful Runner Andrew Paul richardt sophomore out of Dallas at 129 yards a year ago he'll take another step forward this season Aaron all right impressive running back play coach I want to go that position right now a lot of injuries last year on and off but seems like you got a nice stable back and still one to come in the fall what have you seen so far from those guys this spring uh they've done a good job uh we've had some injuries in that position some guys been made up cash out here today so ap's getting a chance to step up but I I've been really pleased with those backs they've done a good job Stockton goes right back to Paul swallowed up immediately yeah there's number three Flash and once again had the interception in the first half and that middle linebacker spot coach we've seen guys get drafted we've seen the importance obviously in any defense what those guys do from a leadership s Bo talk about those two young guys especially three and what you've seen from him yeah three and five raen and CJ done a great job jaylen's getting a play today Jaylen had an ankle and uh we weren't going to play him but he really wanted to go he wanted to get out there and play so he's getting to play a little bit too those guys have shared that inside backer roll and done a really nice job the defense continues to swarm they are the story so far we have a dog down Christian Miller running off the field well they just it's impressive the the size and you're seeing some of these young guys play on defense too the rotation I think that's what they want to obviously get interior on the outside they feel really good with their ones but J I thought you brought it up earlier really well this is a team that is very deep into the twos where they feel like those guys are going be able to rotate throughout the ball game get those young guys even more experience and repetitions here in the offseason and Gunner stocked in the back backup quarterback working with the first team offense for the first time showing off the arm strength but just too much on that ball a third and long tried to squeeze it into Rah Thomas Thomas that was a big drive for gunar be with the ones he's kind of sprinkled in there throughout the the spring camp but I said man there's not a lot of if you had a point to maybe one concern for Georgia just not a lot of experience behind cors and Beck you have won the premier quarterbacks in Olive College football and knock on wood with that Elite offensive line he stays healthy the entire season but they're going to continue to work Gunner I'm sure throughout the offseason in Fall Camp get him comfortable with the ones just in case his number is called at some point now the defense continues to dominate 2024 getting a preview of Kirby smarts Bulldogs a beautiful day here in Athens we welcome you back inside Sanford Stadium our very own J alter's wife Liz is actually a very proud Georgia Alum and head coach Kirby Smart has a message for Jay Liz and little Ellie hey it's coach smart here you and lizz's unwavering love and resilience in the face of Ellie's challenges are truly remarkable as you prepare for for her next surgery I pray you find strength and comfort in each other and those who are closest to you and your family dog nation is behind you and we are all sending our thoughts prayers and positive energy your way thanks and go oh man it's pride myself on being professional but got to wipe the tears out of my eyes there uh my my wife Liz is a proud Georgia Alum class of 2016 overlapped with Aon Murray she was up in the stands watching them in the student section and and we welcomed our first uh daughter our our baby girl Eleanor been 6 months ago and she's uh gone through four surgeries early in her life and you know mentioned uh to Kirby that you know Liz watching the dogs in the fall when Elanor was in the hospital for 75 days really helped take her mind off everything we were going through and I didn't know that was coming great job by our production crew keeping that a secret and uh wow to to get that from you know the the best coach in all of college football what it means to our family and our extended family takes your breath away so thank you to Kirby thanks Taylor thanks Adam our producer for uh surprising me and there's something to be said I'm sure we're not the only ones that football and and being a passionate fan can be such a distraction such a blessing when you're going through a difficult time that the comfort of seeing the Georgia Bulldogs or whoever your team is that you root for on a Saturday and we certainly had that this [Music] fall how about this for gunner Stockton he just ran with the ones and now he's back running with the twos busy day for the backup quarterback yeah there's going to be a lot of good film to go back for Gunner and go back you know back and sit down with coach boobo and this offensive staff and just say hey this is what we need you to work on if you're truly going to be our number two guy here to start the season number two quarterback on the best team in America and one play away from being the guy these are the things that we need you to work on over the next four or five months before fall camp and like Kirby just said speaking with him he's really taking some major strides and I feel like they they think they just scratching the surface on what 14 could possibly be here wouldn't given the opportunity someday one thing that coach smart said they made a concerted effort to do with Gunner Stockton this spring was after a play pull him over and say Hey what' you see what coverage was out there and he said most of the time this kid is getting the right answers it's just a matter of acclimating to a game environment and continuing to grow well I also think too I mean he was part of a a two-way battle last year and Brock ended up being more that number two guy and you know I was in the situation when I got red shirted he kind of go through the motions that red shirt year you know you don't really feel like you're going to play maybe not as engaged and when Brock left to go to Kentucky before the bowl season you know his game really elevated because his mindset was I'm one play away from possibly getting in the field and they've seen a major shift of what he's been able to do both in the classroom when it comes to football and then on the field throughout B practice this offseason heading into the spring game this defense just swarming to the football this is exactly what you're going to see all fall and Kirby Smart told us this is good on good you're going to get your best look at our first team defense our best look at our first team offense and for all the love coming into the spring game about the best offensive line of the Country Carson Beck couldn't enough good things about those five up front and they might be the best offensive line in the country Aaron they're just going against a very motivated defense today yeah motivated defense like Kirby said just maybe a little bit more passion and when you got two elite units team that the one that brings the most energy is going to be the one that goes and first catch from Arion Smith right there that's a guy they've also said has really taken his game to another level this off season 11 with that Elite Speed is going to be dangerous on the field yeah hard to guard in a deep wide receiver room as we head to the fourth quarter in the gday game well if you know anything about Georgia football the fours are up fourth quarter that's where Kirby Smart wants his guys hitting harder out running the opponent well today they're playing each other offense against defense as we get you ready for the fall one of the preseason favorites to win the national championship you take a look at what Kirby Smart and Georgia have done over the last three seasons they have as many losses as they have national championships two losses over the last three years two national championships in 21 in 22 Carson Beck back at quarterback he's motivated still playing here the fourth quarter you look at other spring games across the country maybe their quarterback will give them you know first quarter second quarter but not many quarterbacks are going to play into the fourth quarter in a spring game it's just different down in Athens Taylor Jay I loved our conversation with Carson Beck yesterday he was very transparent and very honest with us about his decision to come back he said I've been a part of national championship winning teams but I wasn't playing and I feel like there's more business for me to do this year he said this preseason he's also handled it completely differently even down to his lifestyle he said I don't want to be someone who rattled in pressure if this team wins I'm going to have a part of it and if this team loses it's going to be because of me a lot of ownership fully taking the Reigns a much different Carson Beck approach than what this team saw from him last spring yeah it was a year ago that there were a ton of question marks around the quarterback position and Kirby Smart said was really the spring game that he took the Reigns of this team and carried it through the fall had a terrific season Manning award finalist 13 and one and it'll be interesting to see how he continues to progress now that there's no doubt about it this is his team and the first real pressure situation that coach smart alluded to was that Auburn game he said in Spring is when he started showing his Moxy his pocket presence that he could be the guy but that Auburn game was his first really tough environment where his back was against the wall he said after that is really when he took off and he hasn't looked back since and you mentioned it he was on the roster for those two national championships but he doesn't consider himself a national champion he wants to be able to be the quarterback that brings another National Championship here to Athens that's a competitor now Aaron Murray has rejoined Us in the booth after getting down on the field up close what did you notice down there that maybe we're not seeing up here well like I said about my they're just massive I mean they are I I you know I cover this conference I go to a lot of game a lot of teams and and and get to see them you know pregame warm-ups and on the field you know see when they put their shoulder pads on and and that's the one thing that Kirby is is really focused on is is just recruiting really big people and then turning them into even better athletes when they get here through the strength program through the way they train and practice I mean they they're the team that walks off the bus and you turn your head like oh my goodness these look this looks like an NFL team quick hitter to Rah Thomas he's another one in this wide receiver room so you might not have the stand out like a brock Bowers or lad mccon but the depth that you have at wide receiver so many weapons at the disposal of Carson Beck and also Aaron I mean you played this position at Georgia it's also on the quarterback to bring the best out of his wide receivers he needs to make them better well I think it's him making them better which you put the ball in certain positions to give those guys an opportunity to make a catch that obviously makes everyone look good but I was think there's a trust Factor too now and you saw that last year I would say after the alurn game you know when he was able to find a way to win the game there on the road I thought they started to see like okay we got a guy at the quarterback spot let's start putting more of the offense on him now you fast forward through another spring fall camp and heading into the season I think coach Bobo and Coach Kirby Smart are saying we have our number one quarterback in college football let's put the ball in his hands more times than not and see what he can do with it Carson making an audible at the line of scrimmage ahead of this third and three etn couldn't quite turn that corner they put a lot on the quarterback and Kirby's not shy even in the recruiting process he'll tell a kid hey in our system it's a quarterback system we have a high volume of plays a lot falls on your shoulders it takes a special type of person to fit that system it does and which is why you know the transition was almost seamless when when it came to monkin moving on to the NFL and Bobo stepping in Bobo came in as an analyst this is Kirby just always one step ahead you bring Bobo in a guy that's called plays at a high level you have him learn from Monk and that way the you you understand hey I got Carson backck ready to take over let's not change the system up on him Bobo was able to take over the same Playbook the same terminology put his little twist on it but really allowed Corson to kind of take it and run from what he's done previously under monk it I know Robinson moves the chains here on a fourth and one but look at Mel Williams wow I tell you that is a grown man number [Music] 13 reminds me of guy I played against jvon Clowney you just look at him from the defensive spot and you're saying ah we got to find a way to get four hands on that dude because he is going to be a disruptor both in the Run game in the pass game has two batted balls an interception just feels like he's always is around the ball to me Williams and CJ Allen are the two that have really popped on defense for Georgia I mean just the amount of plays that CJ H had last year and you got to think with a young guy that was just a freshman and still is a freshman playing that middle linebacking spot you're having to diagnose the offense make the calls everything's happening so fast for you now I feel like year two for him and it's still going to continue to grow you really the game's going to start to slow down you can make the call a little faster get yourself in a better position to go out there and play fast and another deflected ball Jaylen Walker who Kirby told you they didn't even want to play today they said you know what you've been dealing with an ankle injury this spring why don't we sit you out Don't Force It get ready for the fall he's like no I want to play yeah I want to get me in there go I think all these defensive guys in the front s and understand there's a lot of depth and a lot of stars everywhere so if I don't go up there and perform and practice and G day yeah I may start working my way down because there's a five-star guy young pup that's ready to take my spot lawon lucky shoved out of bounds TJ Allen again on the stop I mean you look at the offenses I know we went through their schedule not not long ago you did but you look at some of the offenses are going to face this year Texas Steve sarkeesian Quinn uers you know they did a good job getting some receivers this off season Old Miss with Lane kein and Jackson D and the receivers they have Alabama and and their new identity on offense from from kayin deor what he did at Washington they're going to be some explosive offenses that they'll face and man got to give you confidence that that front seven can hold up and dominate let you play a little bit more too high back taking a shot to the end zone couldn't quite connect with Colby [Music] young I liked what Kirby had to say about young you're trying to give some love to a transfer who's come in and in just 15 practic has made a big impact on the offense you called it a home run transfer and he said I don't know about a home run ah Kirby doesn't like that uh that rat poison don't you be saying that I don't need I don't need these kids get a big head out here but he has had a very impressive spring from all accounts and obviously made some big time catches today where it looks like this kid is going to be able to come in there and and play really well especially in situations oh you're a father you know the parents have to be strict but Uncle Aaron coming in Athens he can the treats so the next time we'll see Georgia is in the 2024 afflac kickoff game taking on Dabo and the Clemson Tigers that should be a great one to help kick off the college football season the winners of four of the last eight college football playoff National Championship those two programs it's going to be one heck of a meeting man you look at the schedule just all year long with the the conference realignment and the excitement of almost every sing week all these big time matchups and obviously now ESPN ABC owning all the SEC is going to be awesome for us yeah afflac kickoff game is the nation's longest running kickoff game August 31st you do not want to miss it Georgia and Clemson Gunner Stockton still in and still balling out that's Tuggle freshman from Indiana that ball got some zip on it too few hitches feeling some pressure on his backside and just threw a little missile out there to the young midyear Tuggle for a nice completion we've seen Gunner today from the very first pass of the game deep throw down the field really showing off what he can do vertically that's London humph so again the depth at wide receivers on full display here at the Georgia spring game I know a lot of people are excited to get 16 from from Vanderbilt feeling of okay this could be our new lad mcon and you you look at the dep chart right now you're like man I got to get through this guy and that guy and that guy so you I know we we might have said it a couple times today but I know a lot was lost but there is a lot coming back at the receiving position and some good key transfer guys as well well think about this we've been playing football for nearly two hours now 18 different players have caught a ball in this game Georgia hit the portal like every team does now in modern college football in particular picking out some offensive weapons etn out of the back field young and Humphrey is expected to add to that wide receiver room yeah all of them are going to obviously play their roles but I'm really you know if you're Georgia fan etn at the running back position you've seen him flash out the game I think Colby you know as he continues to learn the Playbook it's going to be more situational third Downs Red Zone situations and then humph will continue to work into that slot position as well plenty of room to run here inside the 10 tiptoeing down the sideline and it's white into the end zone for the first time in a bulldog uniform the pride of Carterville Georgia part of this star studded number one recruiting class in the country and nothing better than being a guy that's supposed to be in high school coming out there on your very first gday get a nice simple ball in the flat and then turning it up up making a move great block on the outside there from his fellow midyear Tuggle and then getting in the end zone see these are the moments while you come in as a midyear guy Aaron I think you were making your way up back to the broadcast Booth but I'm just so impressed that Beck and Stockton have stayed in this entire game outside of one drive oh I I can expect Gunner you know I know they want to get Gunner reps we've talked about that he just needs to get as much experience as he can um but they just they they they they want and most teams want four Starship quarterbacks it's it's difficult in today's game because the transfer portal if you're a number three or four guy why not go somewhere else and have a chance to play so it'll be interesting if they get another someone but I I I I know that they are very excited about Ryan P a mid guy that just unfortunately has been banged up a little bit unable to play here this afternoon so overall Impressions we've been saying it all afternoon long Georgia expected to contend for their third National Championship in Four Seasons what stood out to you over the course of these two hours just how good that front seven is defensively I mean this is and will be one of the best offensive lines in the country and to see that defensive line hold up and almost dominate this game there is youth on the back end and and I I talked about this I believe in the first or second quar that would be somewhat of a concern of you got Malachi Stars there's a bunch of guys that are young and unproven well the the best way to protect that secondary is to play more two high safeties to play a little bit more shell defense and then allow that front seven to go out there and dominant I think based of what we've seen today they're going to be able to do that they're going to be able to stop the run with a six-man box and play a little bit more too high safeties Beck buying himself time floating incomplete couldn't quite land it safely to Andrew Paul so yeah I mean this it's just you know think about some of the great teams in years past especially today's game I mean so many of these offenses are going to face are going to want to get out in 11 personnel three receivers one tight end one running back sometimes 10 personnel with four receivers put a lot of stress on the DBS you need to protect those young guys in the back end and the more that you can do that and get after the quarterback more success you're going to have Kirby Smart and Georgia going to deal with a gauntlet we talked a lot about Clemson as the opener that road schedule is brutal at Alabama at Texas at Miss but the good news for Georgia fans is with college football playoff expanding from 4 to 12 you can absorb easily one loss probably with that schedule two losses easily to and make it into the top 12 well the other positive as well you look how tough and I would say exciting that schedule is right it flips and now those teams get to come to Athens next year so Texas has coming to Athens Alabama's coming to Athens Miss is coming to Athens so you you go enjoy Austin and Tuscaloosa and Oxford this year knowing that hey next year you're coming to our hometown between the hedges and uh that's what makes this new SEC ERA with Oklahoma and Texas joining even more exciting all these big time Brands we get to witness week in and week out and year in and year out here in the SEC but it's a gauntlet it really is and and and especially week one vers Clemson I know Kirby Smart is using that obviously is motivation for this team to really work hard not only for these practices in the spring but over the next four months leading up to that Big Time game so what's going to be a tougher ticket to get you know 2025 Texas Alabama here between the hedges or two hours from us Masters Saturday Sunday at Augusta oh man I I know it's been very tough for Georgia fans to get everything booked up to go to Austin I think partly due for the fact that they have the F1 race there but I know Georgia fans are going to be very excited to welcome the Longhorns to Sanford Stadium in in in a couple years from now or I guess in a year from a year and a half from now you're still looking for your Master's ticket for tomorrow right I am I am trying to steal coach bobos yeah Brett Thorson who is the charismatic Australian punter for Georgia he gave a little golf style Master's impression of some highlights from georg's year a year ago the second corner here the ball is snapped to screen to makoni he's meant to throw he says don't worry follow me he takes off he makes one miss then he takes the ball all the way and the dogs fourth touchdown of the game the dogs here in pump formation and the good-looking man from Mel thorsson punched the ball away and well that may bring rain wise decision and a fair Catch and Dawson JS off H Thorson's a character I love that we got to get him on some golf coverage uh the Australian and he's a great punter as well he hosts a podcast with Tate ratti the all SEC first team Right Guard those two are hilarious highly recommend listening to those guys absolutely trip he's such an incredible personality like you said first and foremost an incredible punter uh it's a boot can really knock that thing as far as you need to go so get him back not just for the only the entertainment aspect but also when when needed to punt to knock someone in the 20s a huge huge get for Kirby Smart in this football team you need somebody in a locker room that can keep it light in this high stress SEC environment right well that usually does fall on the Specialists you know they're always a little bit goofy in there got a little bit more time on their hands who was that for for your team when you were in Georgia who is the funny guy keep it light in the locker room oh man we had a lot uh Arthur Lynch yeah maybe that's why we didn't win a championship too many goofballs unless that's not enough guys that were focused on you know the day-to-day grind but uh yeah we had some characters I know they got some characters here Warren Brinson at defensive tackle uh future media star himself uh he he's a pretty good character to keep it nice and light and fun and you know once again let's not forget we think these guys are professionals cuz they're getting paid but we all 18 to 20 2y old once trying to enjoy life as a normal student athlete you know you got to find some sort of balance every now and then third and 12 here for Stockton they blow that play dead for a sack before stock could get rid of it that's another highly taled freshman Joseph Jonah J out of Texas he and Justin Williams high school teammates both early enroles both ESPN 300 talents I think the biggest thing too for Georgia this year uh last year was such a talented football team but always the thing that hurts you is is the injury bug a little bit and then they were banged up from start the finish and some key guys and you know as of right now they feel like they are healthy getting healthier and and definitely on the uptrend hopefully heading into the season of keeping those guys in a position to be able to go out there and execute on the football field Kirby Smart not happy with his Australian pter wanted to pin uh inside the 10 there instead went for a back we just heard his uh terrific golf style impression of some of the Georgia highlights from a year ago and this is what it's all about good on good first team offense first team defense two minutes left yeah this is like practice for them this is something they do every single day in practice some sort of situation for Carson to work on his two-minute drives just so unique when you look across spring games across college football that we're here with two minutes to go and both first team offense and defense are still on the field at this point you know the first teamers would have been done maybe a quarter quarter and a half ago and you have Georgia's best players on the football field right now which is an incredible treat for the fan base to be able to see essentially once again two of the best at their respective units in the country doing it out right now in the middle of April and in a pressure situation you know this defense wants to keep this lead have some bragging rights on Summer Long going into the fall etn out of the back field we've seen some flashes from him he's got some real pop to his game we saw it at Florida now he brings it here to Athens oh the quickness the ability to catch the ball the Back Field I mean that was a play right there corson's checking it down you catch at the line of scrimmage you make someone Miss in the open field and all of a sudden you turn into a third and short and manageable situation where you could run the ball here if you wanted to but that's the type of ability that he's going to bring to this offense this season back again pressure bearing down had to get rid of it dropped by Arion Smith now a decision to make if you're Kirby leave the offense out here for a fourth and three instead of Punt it away which would effectively end the spring game yeah they got three timeouts to go so you could but now let's put some more pressure on on team R and Carson Beck here four fourth and short essentially for the game right now see if 15 can execute dog's defense sends pressure tipped and the defense delivers again the Georgia spring Game Belongs to this Bulldog defense well listen when you can't tackle the quarterback and you know you can't get sex SE best thing is get your hands up in the air and make plays and they've done that this entire game once again great job there number 11 which always looks good in the red and black Jaylen Walker making the tip to almost close to seeing the deal for team black now stack house loving it over on that sideline he's made 29 straight starts for Georgia Malachi Starks who didn't even play today another veteran on that dogs defense celebrating with the first team [Applause] D well somebody's got to win someone's got to lose the good news for Bulldogs fans and for the first team offense is that defense is their teammates come the fall going against him today was difficult yeah you may you would have loved to see a couple more plays execute down the field offensively I saw we saw some flashes from some Dom love it and kby and you saw etn make some great plays but this is the defense that's going to contend for one of the better ones in the country this year I thought you saw some good stuff really good stuff today from gunar Stockton as well you know very much in command of the offense going where the where it needs to go finding the check down accurate executing some of the downfield concepts that bobo was calling throughout the game I think you walk away from this saying okay we know we have Caron we feel absolutely incredible about 15's ability but Gunner's got something to him where if if if something happens 14 seems like he's definitely progressing in the right way trying to punch another into the end zone here with a minute left in the spring game stocked it throws to the end zone a little too high over the head of colle spear Ellis Robinson in coverage number one player in the class of 2024 according to ESPN Stockton denied a touchdown that's a terrific Play Jake Pope with a great read on that ball he's had two pass breakups this afternoon try to gun in there maybe just a hair bit late and balls in the back of the end zone you want to throw a little bit higher so a Defender cannot make a play but tremendous job by 22 Jake Pope extending out here late with less than a minute to go in the spring game trying to make a play for his defense and what a treat this has been getting a great preview you a lot of spring games are sneak peeks this is a full-on preview of what's to come this fall for the Georgia Bulldogs absolutely will be one of the preseason favorites to win the national championship it starts with trying to win the SEC something they failed to do a year ago and that's been a huge Chi a huge motivator all spring long for these guys oh we get one more opportunity another two-minute drive for Carson back with few timeouts only down a touchdown unable able to convert last time four and out for this offense but one more crack at it for Mike Bobo offensive coordinator second season here for the University of Georgia second go round at the University of Georgia in that [Music] position it's a lot of throws for a spring game I don't remember the last time I've seen a starting quarterback throw the ball 42 times in a spring game he's going to sling it a couple more times on this final drive three timeouts 50 seconds to work with for Beck couple of broken tackles just shy of the 50 for Dom love it feels like when the chips are down Beck's first read is going to be number six in red love it well and especially him playing in the slot I think Carson feels very comfortable working over the middle of the field not all quarterbacks like to do that there's just a lot of bodies there uh Carson being a veteran guy bigger quarterback sees the entire field well so if you can get six matched up against a nickel or a linebacker of safety you really like that but no I'm with you six is Dom love it has really impressed today shown some wiggle not only catch but then able to get North and South afterwards 93 yards for love it back clean pocket right on the money Carson Beck threads the needle Rob Roth Thomas and just like that the first team offense rolling I can't tell you how good this throw is this is Elite as Elite can be two man man-to-man coverage with high safety help throwing to the field in an absolute rocket from number 15 Beck in the Red Zone takes a shot swatted incomplete good protection there Dan Jackson and Patrick Taylor to deny loss and lucky a touchdown I I I don't know if another many quarterbacks maybe a handful of quarterbacks not only in college football but the NFL could make the thrd that Carson just made it's a 40 40 plus yard throw to the sideline and maybe got about 15 yards 10 yards off the ground and you thought he'd be a first round pick if he came out in this draft he wanted to come back to win a National Championship felt he had unfinished business walking off the field after the loss to Alabama back floats to the end zone love it into the hedges and he held on Dum love it with the highlight of the spring game a touchdown to tie it with less than 30 seconds to go wow ah you got to go for two now go for two he ain't walking away with a tie you got to go for two but this was an incredible I don't even know I got to is he the replay I don't know how he caught this football he pins it on the back of Patrick Taylor look at this unbelievable catch six has had himself a statement game here into the brand new baby Hedges goes number six and you're right Aaron Kirby Smart saying we're going to settle this no Beck's just there to hold hold it for wood ring no hey this is best case scenario you can tell hey we all played hard someone needs to eat the the Beanie Weenies and someone has to eat the steak this one looks like it's going to be tie to 20 there is 27 seconds left to work with for gunner Stockton What A Catch by love it we got to see that one more time [Music] spectacular good thing that fence is nice and forgiving well it's a new fence as well yeah so new Hedges time 31 they may need a new fence after that one but I think that question that narrative was answered today of who will Carson Beck be throwing the football two in 2024 as seven catches over 100 yards and a touchdown to end the spring game what a day for Dom love it and no doubt that was the the best play of the game on either side of the ball Carson Beck looked really impressive getting the ball back knowing you need a touchdown 51 seconds and he scores in less than 30 what's the other thing too about having a veteran quarterback there's a Defense number 31 15 y add in the Run there's a sense of confidence as we go look at the face mask on the previous play which I don't know about that um of situational football that that's the great thing with with a guy that's been here forever there's a confidence in the Huddle that corson's been there done that has done the two-minute drives has done the Red Zone Third Downs all that it's just a sense of confidence not only from him but the entire football team now Kirby huddled the second team offense together 21 seconds to go this is what you do every single day now you're doing it with TV cameras and fans in the stance situational football that's another first down Michael Jackson the transfer from USC oh we've seen each quarterback in this game have multiple two-minute drives whether there is before halftime and I don't know if I've ever seen this many two-minute drives before an end of the game either but this is this is great teaching tape and Kirby is going to obviously continue this scrimmage to make sure that they get these reps in this is as thrilling a finish as you'll find in a spring game again most teams across the country the starters come out at halim or Midway through the third quarter Stockton under pressure has to throw it away 10 seconds remaining here they just need a field goal too so for gunner understanding that hey I just need probably somewhere that 7 to 10 yard range taking completion we have a timeout you know previous players able to find the back that's always a good option you know everyone's always worried about the down the field play guys are dropping in the coverage you find a running back allow him to get seven or eight yards get down call timeout and allow that kicker to go out there and win the football game and Kirby right in the ear of his backup quarterback another incomplete pass thrown by Stockton there the defense has ratcheted it up here pressure coming on that play and just left the level of passion commitment competition that you've seen on both sides of the ball first team second team has just exploded I've seen spring games after the offense just scored for for team red where the coach is like all right we've seen enough let's go home right Kirby's this is this what makes Kirby special Kirby's like no I have an opportunity to get one more two-minute drive with my quarterback in my offense and my defense also being in this situation I'm going to take advantage of it and Kirby changes the down in distance instead of fourth and one it's third and 10 for Stockton and he put it right there great ball by Stockton just couldn't get haul in so kovi white who had a touchdown earlier dropped it beautifully thrown football one-on-one runs an incredible route to White steps on the toes of the defender and then gets with from there and a perfectly thrown football and we're going to get a big boy field goal here about 54 yards see if team black can walk away with a three-point win and it's Liam Badger the backup kicker Payton woodrig is the starter but team black has the backup Badger from 54 had the distance but nowhere near the accuracy the clock at zeros tied at 20 Kirby Smart has to be happy with how this spring game went just competitive hard hits great plays great catches Dom love it stole the show there tying it at 20 with a great grab right at the end of regulation and Taylor Davis is down with Kirby smart thank you guys well coach another edition of Spring ball in the books what were your takeaways from today's gday game healthy number one thing is healthy guys got to compete uh put on the show for the fans we still like to play football around here in the spring so when we get a chance to play football we want to play football proud of the guys for competing and we like to watch football so we appreciate it you said at halftime you saw more emotion and intensity from your defense in the first half than you had seen in all spring and that includes a lot of young guys what impressed you on that side of the ball well they tackled better today batted a lot of balls which is huge in football offenses have a huge Advantage right now you got to knock balls down when you get a chance I thought we did a good job of that thought the offense came back up in the second half and Carson had some good drives there you mentioned Carson Beck how would you evaluate your quarterback play today well I'd look at it from a whole spring perspective and he's had an awesome spring he's had a really good spring I think defense did affect the quarterback a little more they had a little more pressure in the pocket but he handled that well we ended in a t but was there a reward on the line today there's always a reward on the line so we have to share their reward now everybody's getting it and a win's a reward that's right a healthy is in and that and that thanks for the time today coach go dogs we're also going to grab Carson back guys if you don't mind uh absolutely plenty plenty of questions from a guy here well Carson another spring for you but you told us this week this one felt a little bit different than last year you have the Reigns for this team and you went out there and showed why how did this spring game feel in terms of the potential you know this team has yeah um obviously spring game is a little bit different you know it's very vanilla both sides of the ball offense and defense but you know overall you know spring practice I think we've had a really good spring practice we've got a lot of work in um and I'm super excited to see what this team can do as we go into the summer and the fall there's been a lot of talk about who you were going to be throwing to this year with guys like Bowers and makoni moving on to the next level but uh you shared the wealth a lot today there were a lot of guys that ended up with catches but love it with that crazy one to close this thing out what have you seen from your crop of tight ends wide receivers that gives you the confidence this offense isn't going to drop off yeah especially in the spring game you know we're going to try to get a lot of different guys in there you know see what they can do try to give guys chances um that was a crazy catch at the End by Dom you know he had a really good day he's also had a really good spring um but yeah no our wide receiver coring those tight ends and those running backs you know they've had a great spring overall and like I said you know I'm excited to get with them in the summer and continue to work you got to go check out the replay of that catch it really was mind-blowing now the next time we see this team suit up and play it'll it will be week one against Clemson what has to happen between now and then for this team to reach its full potential yeah um just stay Ultra focused uh we we obviously have a goal and that's going to be our next game so as we go into the summer you know focused on that one game that's our goal to you know win each and every week and you know our mind will be locked in on Clemson as we start you know back up in June a lot of good ahead for this team go enjoy it yes ma'am thank you now what an addition of the gday game here in Athens an awesome atmosphere between the hedges and Kirby and Carson both said it the competitiveness that both sides brought to this game they're going to bring it to the fall oh yeah one thing you know about Kirby and this team they are going to compete every single day and we touched on and Kirby said it healthy healthy healthy something they battled all last season but right now feeling really good as they head into the next phase of the off season here at the University of Georgia a great preview of one of the pre-season favorites Georgia going to try and win a third National Championship in four years that does it for the spring game in Athens Aaron Taylor I'm Jay saying so long from Sanford Stadium